The
Piñata Maker/ El Piñatero
By
George Ancona
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
Ancona, George. (1994). THE PIÑATA MAKER/ EL PIÑATERO.
San Diego:
Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0-15-261875-9.
Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0-15-261875-9.
PLOT SUMMARY:
This nonfiction children’s picture book is a photo
essay about the craft of piñata maker Don Ricardo Nuñez Gijón from Ejutla de
Crespo, Oaxaca, Mexico. It is told in both English and Spanish with many
pictures that accompany the words on the pages. Not only does Don Ricardo make
piñatas for birthday parties and Christmas festivities, he makes larger than
life puppets as well. The details of each step in the piñata-making process are
beautifully explained and shown in the photographs.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
The text of the picture book is in both English and
Spanish. The English paragraphs are interspersed with some Spanish words that
are natural and appropriate for the setting of the book. Some of the Spanish terms
are: Buenos dias, Ay, fiesta, sombreros,
Señora, and Doña. Where no
translation is given, the accompanying photographs help to tell the story. In
other instances, the author does provide the translation: puppets for monos and star for piñata de picos.
The photographs of 77 year-old Tio Rico and the people of his
town give the reader great insight into the daily life and culture of the
Mexican people in Oaxaca. There are several descriptions to indicate that this
craftsman is working in Mexico and not in the United States: he uses rolls of dried
banana leaves and traditional clay pots to form his piñatas; the village
children are barefoot in some of the photos; and, the puppets, masks, and piñatas
are used to celebrate at parties, birthday parties, and other celebrations
through the year. The puppets are put on and the children do traditional folk
dances.
The piñatas in this humble Oaxacan village are
filled with oranges, apples, tangerines, peanuts, walnuts, peaches, pieces of
sugarcane, small toys, sweets and confetti. In the United States they are
filled with candy, toys, and sometimes coins.
This is an amazing testimony to the time, skill and
effort of the traditional handicrafts of Mexico. Tio Rico puts so much into his
beautiful creations, knowing that they will be broken. “As Tio Rico takes his
leave, he turns to look at the remnant of his beautiful piñata, and he smiles,
knowing that it is proof of a very happy birthday fiesta.”
AWARDS:
Texas Library Association Bluebonnet Award 1994
Parents Choice Award 1994
REVIEW EXCERPTS:
Booklist:
“A
delightful introduction to the subject and a memorable glimpse of one Mexican
village and its people.”
School
Library Journal: “Ancona has once again created a photo
essay that brings his subject into lively and vibrant focus. A day in the life
of Don Ricardo Nuñez Gijon, or Tio Rico, a piñata maker, is a busy round of
artistry blended with practicality. The step-by-step creation of a swan, a
star, and a carrot is described. The balance between text and illustration is
masterful, and both the English and Spanish narratives have an easy flow. Tio
Rico is a matter-of-fact yet charming character; along with illuminating his
craft, Ancona shows the man's place in his village. By the end of the book,
children will understand more about Mexican culture and values. A loving
introduction to Hispanic customs, lifestyles in Mexico, and the art of piñata
production.”
CONNECTIONS:
Author’s website: www.georgeancona.com
Mexican Folk Art: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexican_handcrafts_and_folk_art
Information about Ejutla de Crespo, Oaxaca: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ejutla_de_Crespo
Piñata making website: http://www.pinataboy.com/index.html
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