Tio Armando

by Florence H. Parry, Roxanne Heide Pierce, Ann Grifalconi (Illustrations)

Since Tío Armando has come to live with Lucititas family, everything and everyone seems joined together in a new way. But it isnt until after his death that Lucitita understands Tío Armandos greatest gift to her: the knowledge that there is always something or someone to celebrate. This portrait of a close-knit Mexican-American family will touch readers of all ages. Ages 6 up.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 19, 1998

Reviews

[Emily Carrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tio Armando moves in with Lucitita and the rest of their family; Lucitita loves her great Uncle Armando and his stories. While he lives with them, he teaches her about community service and the reward you receive when you give to others. He goes to the hospital everyday to give flowers and other gifts. He also goes to the library every day and teaches Lucitita that you don't have to speak the same language in order to become friends with someone; all of the regulars and staff at the library knew of her Tio and smiled when he walked in, even though they couldn't speak Spanish (his only language). He also showed her that he always packed a little extra in his lunch, and gave his leftovers everyday to the old man who couldn't afford a lunch. He has many small words of wisdom for Lucitita, even when he died after living with them for a year.

I love this book because it gives many pieces of advice and wisdom towards children from someone they could look up to. It also deals with many different moral issues, hardships of life, and being kind to others every day. It also shows what Latino families are like and their culture, so I could use it when talking about diverse families.
I would read this aloud in a Kindergarten classroom up to a 6th grade classroom, and keep it in the classroom library.

[Jose Juan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Heide and Pierce was a sad one. It is about an uncle who comes to live with a Mexican- American family. The main character, Lucitita, her siblings and parents, create a stronger bond because of this experience. Their uncle is much older. He's wife passed away. The children learn many lessons from their uncle and he shares with them many stories of the past. You get a sense that the story is moving because of the references to the months of the year. The children get to see the many good deeds that their uncle performs such as, giving food to a homeless man, visiting the sick at the hospital, being kind to others. The uncle dies while staying with the family. The children learn that their is always someone to be thankful for.

[Dorian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very touching book about the loss of a loved one and how they are always with you. It is very nicely integrated with Spanish words.

[Olivia Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a grandpa living with his grandchildren after his wife passes away. The book goes through each month and tells what the grandpa did with his grandchildren. At the end of the book Tio Armando passes away, but it is still happy. This would be good to have in a class room to talk about family, the months, and a hard topic like death.