Too many tamales

 

 Soto, G., & Martinez, E. (1993). Too many tamales. New York.
Too many tamales is a cute story about a young lady named Maria who enjoys making tamales with her mother. The multicultural book gives insight to the Spanish family tradition of preparing traditional food together. The illustrations in this picture are very life like and add to the actions of the characters in the story. Maria's mother is beautiful and you can tell her daughter really looks up to her. When her mother takes off her ring to make tamales, Maria puts it on which is where the conflict comes in.
Ed Martinez's illlustrations show the action as it unfolds. It is Christmas and snow covers the ground. This is helpful to understand the setting. The house is decorated with Christmas decorations and the family is dressed in their finest clothing. When the family arrives with presents in hand Maria and her cousins go upstairs to play. That is when Maria realizes she has lost her mother's ring. This is when the book gets interesting. Maria believes the ring has to be in the tamales so the all the kids set out to eat the entire plate of tamales. Little cousin Danny thinks he swallowed the ring whole because his tummy hurts. So Maria is forced to tell her mother the truth.
I connected to the seen with Little Danny because it made me think of my chubby son. I could picture him getting excited when he realizes he gets to help eat the entire plate. When Danny's belly starts to hurt it also reminds me of my son. He would eat as much as you allow him to. 
Gary Soto is a great multi-cultural author who did a great job giving a little glimpse into Spanish culture. I think this book would be a great opener for the first day in a unit about Spanish or Hispanic culture. The illustrator used soft warm colors to set the calm mood. There is a lot of definition to the characters and scene which makes the story very realistic. The illustrator also uses double spread which makes the scenes large and life like. I think the illustrations make the story more enjoyable.

Big Idea Question: What does it mean to you to share traditional family get togethers during the holidays?
What are some traditions that you and your family participate in?