What do you think?
The Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos
It is the winter of 1929, and cousins Hildamar and Santiago have just moved to enormous, chilly New York from their native Puerto Rico. As Three Kings' Day approaches, Hildamar and Santiago mourn the loss of their sunny home and wonder about their future in their adopted city. But when a storyteller and librarian named Pura Belpré arrives in their classroom, the children begin to understand just what a library can mean to a community. In this fitting tribute to a remarkable woman, Lucía González and Lulu Delacre have captured the truly astounding effect that Belpré had on the city of New York.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 28, 2008
About the author
Lucia M. Gonzalez
7 books4 followersHas fond memories of listening to storytellers while growing up in Cuba. Was previously a translator and is now a children's librarian, a storyteller, and a puppeteer. Lives in Miami Florida with her Venezuelan husband and their bilingual daughter, Anna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
May 1, 2010
4.5 STARS
I loved "Storyteller's Candle"--just as Pura Belpré brought the warmth of Puerto Rico to a chilly New York City winter through her stories, this book brings a glowing love of storytelling, libraries and Puerto Rican culture. It was so sad to imagine the children walking past the library being told that there were no Spanish books or Spanish-speaking librarians so there was no point for them to go inside!!! Then, so marvelous to feel their delight when they learned that Ms. Belpré had arrived and would bring stories to them. I also love how she would tell her stories beside a lighted candle, then tell her listeners to close their eyes at the end of the story and make a wish as the candle is blown out. Gosh, that just sparkles with the magic of storytelling!!!
I also love the illustrations. It's so neat how the illustrator used paper collage as part of her illustration process and extremely cool that she used a vintage newspaper from January 6, 1930 (the highlighted day in the story) for that collage. I appreciate how she went even further by matching up the articles from the paper with what is happening in the text, such as using a clipping of theater reviews on the page where the children perform their play. I think my favorite illustration is of the children excitedly clamboring up the library steps and how the library steps are made of newsprint--love the idea of words leading the children into the library!
I was also delighted to find that the featured story Belpré tells is her signature "Pérez and Martina"--which is one that I read in a retelling a few years ago and loved Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale! :-)
I also think it's very nice that the story is told in both English and Spanish--with one illustration spanning two pages, and the English version of text on one page and Spanish on the other. As a kid, I was always fascinated by foreign words and I think having the two texts side by side is great to encourage exploration like that. Some Spanish words are still included in the English text, which certainly adds to the flavor, though I was a bit annoyed to see that not all of them made it to the Glossary at the end. That was my only negative about the book, though.
I loved "Storyteller's Candle"--just as Pura Belpré brought the warmth of Puerto Rico to a chilly New York City winter through her stories, this book brings a glowing love of storytelling, libraries and Puerto Rican culture. It was so sad to imagine the children walking past the library being told that there were no Spanish books or Spanish-speaking librarians so there was no point for them to go inside!!! Then, so marvelous to feel their delight when they learned that Ms. Belpré had arrived and would bring stories to them. I also love how she would tell her stories beside a lighted candle, then tell her listeners to close their eyes at the end of the story and make a wish as the candle is blown out. Gosh, that just sparkles with the magic of storytelling!!!
I also love the illustrations. It's so neat how the illustrator used paper collage as part of her illustration process and extremely cool that she used a vintage newspaper from January 6, 1930 (the highlighted day in the story) for that collage. I appreciate how she went even further by matching up the articles from the paper with what is happening in the text, such as using a clipping of theater reviews on the page where the children perform their play. I think my favorite illustration is of the children excitedly clamboring up the library steps and how the library steps are made of newsprint--love the idea of words leading the children into the library!
I was also delighted to find that the featured story Belpré tells is her signature "Pérez and Martina"--which is one that I read in a retelling a few years ago and loved Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale! :-)
I also think it's very nice that the story is told in both English and Spanish--with one illustration spanning two pages, and the English version of text on one page and Spanish on the other. As a kid, I was always fascinated by foreign words and I think having the two texts side by side is great to encourage exploration like that. Some Spanish words are still included in the English text, which certainly adds to the flavor, though I was a bit annoyed to see that not all of them made it to the Glossary at the end. That was my only negative about the book, though.
March 22, 2008
We children’s librarians are used to picture books pandering to us. It’s common knowledge. If an author wants some easy library lovin’ they just whip up some kind of tale involving a heroic librarian in the hopes of instantaneous shelf space. The most blatant of these ( The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians I am SO looking at you!) leave horrible tastes in our mouths. Yet not every librarian-based picture book is a shameless sauntering hussy. Sometimes, and this is rare, but sometimes you get a book with a purpose above and beyond catering to a librarian constituency. Particularly when the subject of the book is the remarkable Pura Belpre (the only librarian with an ALSC Medal named after her). I was pretty leery when I saw that someone had turned Belpre’s life into a work of picture book fiction, but when I saw that the author was none other than magnificent storyteller Lucia Gonzalez, I was intrigued. Better still, illustrator Lulu Delacre has used a melding of print and paint to tell the story of New York Public Library’s first Puerto Rican librarian. And as a librarian myself (at NYPL no less) I can tell you that while I am not an uninterested party, I am more inclined to be skeptical when I see that the hero of a tale is of my own occupation. Fortunately Gonzalez and Delacre are up to the challenge and will win over readers, both young and old.
For cousins Hildamar and Santiago, New York is a cold place to live. It is the winter of 1929 and Hildamar has only recently arrived from her native Puerto Rico. She would love to celebrate El Dia de los Reyes, Three Kings’ Day, but has she moved too far away from home to celebrate it? The answer comes in the form of a children’s librarian that visits her class one day with puppets. Her name is Pura Belpre and she assures all the children that the library is for everyone, children and non-English speakers alike. When Ms. Belpre announces that there will be a Three Kings’ Day celebration in the library, everyone wants a chance to help out with the performance of the story Perez and Martina. And when the day arrives everything goes beautifully and the children get to blow out the storytime candle for one single wish all together.
This is hardly Gonzalez and Delacre’s first book together, you know. You may be familiar with Senior Cat’s Romance, or the highly amusing (and fantastic readaloud) The Bossy Gallito. In fact, if you haven’t already read The Bossy Gallito, drop whatever it is that you are doing and run (don’t walk) to the library to pick yourself up a copy. If I were to make a list of required picture book reading, The Bossy Gallito would be mighty high on that list. Because of their history together, Gonzalez and Delacre have a comfortable working relationship. Gonzalez writes bilingual books and Delacre finds ways to illustrate around the English and Spanish sections without sacrificing the look of the story. To often when I pick up a bilingual picture book I’ll find a very blocky method of text on one page and a picture on the other. Sometimes this is because the book was not originally published as bilingual and was adapted after the fact, but just as often publishers will show almost zippo interest in getting creative with their words. Delacre, however, knows how to weave images behind and around Gonzalez’s text blocks, making for a more vibrant presentation.
As an author, Lucia Gonzalez must have decided at some point that a story about El Dia de los Reyes that incorporated Pura Belpre into the text would be much more interesting than a straight birth to death biography. She may be right at that. In its current state, the book is classified as fiction and will end up in picture book collections rather than biography sections. Kids will pull it from the shelf and be read it more frequently than they would if it was considered non-fiction. Sad but true. There is a brief biography at the end of the story, as well as a Glossary of Spanish terms. I would have liked a small timeline too, if only to get a sense of Ms. Belpre's accomplishments, but space clearly seems to have been an issue. Most notably, the author is donating her royalties from this book to the Pura Belpre Award endowment. As some of you may know, the Pura Belpre Award is given every other year to a Latino writer and illustrator, “whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience.” I’ve never known any writer to eschew payment so as to help promote this award’s endowment, so this is notable.
As for illustrator Lulu Delacre, she has a relaxed style to her illustrations that initially put me off, I admit. The human faces seemed competent but clunky to my eyes. Yet once I overcame my initial resistance I was able to see some of the clever things Delacre has done with this book. As a note in the back of the book says, the art in this title was created, “with layers of oil washes and paper collage on bristol paper that she primed with clear gesso.” The early sepia toned paints in the first few pages set the book squarely in the past. Most impressive, however, is her use of newsprint. I had vaguely noticed that newspaper would crop up as sidewalks, walls, floors or other parts of these illustrations. Many times you wouldn’t notice them on a first reading, and only on subsequent rereads would the newsprint appear as books on a shelf or the back of a pew. And many times the newsprint will refer to the scene in which it appears. As the book says, “on page 3, the artwork contains pieces of a timetable of new arrivals into Manhattan by steamship.” This is paired with a section discussing how recently Hildamar arrived in New York from Puerto Rico. A news item from San Juan, Puerto Rico makes up the wallpaper in Hildamar’s kitchen. Marriage announcements appear in church on a pew. And a weather report lies not far from a roaring fire, while outside the weather grows dark and stormy. You could spend a long time just identifying each newspaper section as you made your way through the book for fun, if you had half a mind to do so.
At New York Public Library I am happy to report that the librarians still close out their storytelling sessions by having everyone in the audience blow out the storytime candle together. If there is any librarian that deserves to be lauded in a picture book, I couldn’t think of a better candidate than Ms. Pura Belpre. For anyone looking for a book about a real person with a bit of Spanish to round out the old vocabulary, The Storyteller’s Candle should do quite nicely. It lauds without pandering which is rare. A worthy addition to your collection.
Ages 4-8.
For cousins Hildamar and Santiago, New York is a cold place to live. It is the winter of 1929 and Hildamar has only recently arrived from her native Puerto Rico. She would love to celebrate El Dia de los Reyes, Three Kings’ Day, but has she moved too far away from home to celebrate it? The answer comes in the form of a children’s librarian that visits her class one day with puppets. Her name is Pura Belpre and she assures all the children that the library is for everyone, children and non-English speakers alike. When Ms. Belpre announces that there will be a Three Kings’ Day celebration in the library, everyone wants a chance to help out with the performance of the story Perez and Martina. And when the day arrives everything goes beautifully and the children get to blow out the storytime candle for one single wish all together.
This is hardly Gonzalez and Delacre’s first book together, you know. You may be familiar with Senior Cat’s Romance, or the highly amusing (and fantastic readaloud) The Bossy Gallito. In fact, if you haven’t already read The Bossy Gallito, drop whatever it is that you are doing and run (don’t walk) to the library to pick yourself up a copy. If I were to make a list of required picture book reading, The Bossy Gallito would be mighty high on that list. Because of their history together, Gonzalez and Delacre have a comfortable working relationship. Gonzalez writes bilingual books and Delacre finds ways to illustrate around the English and Spanish sections without sacrificing the look of the story. To often when I pick up a bilingual picture book I’ll find a very blocky method of text on one page and a picture on the other. Sometimes this is because the book was not originally published as bilingual and was adapted after the fact, but just as often publishers will show almost zippo interest in getting creative with their words. Delacre, however, knows how to weave images behind and around Gonzalez’s text blocks, making for a more vibrant presentation.
As an author, Lucia Gonzalez must have decided at some point that a story about El Dia de los Reyes that incorporated Pura Belpre into the text would be much more interesting than a straight birth to death biography. She may be right at that. In its current state, the book is classified as fiction and will end up in picture book collections rather than biography sections. Kids will pull it from the shelf and be read it more frequently than they would if it was considered non-fiction. Sad but true. There is a brief biography at the end of the story, as well as a Glossary of Spanish terms. I would have liked a small timeline too, if only to get a sense of Ms. Belpre's accomplishments, but space clearly seems to have been an issue. Most notably, the author is donating her royalties from this book to the Pura Belpre Award endowment. As some of you may know, the Pura Belpre Award is given every other year to a Latino writer and illustrator, “whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience.” I’ve never known any writer to eschew payment so as to help promote this award’s endowment, so this is notable.
As for illustrator Lulu Delacre, she has a relaxed style to her illustrations that initially put me off, I admit. The human faces seemed competent but clunky to my eyes. Yet once I overcame my initial resistance I was able to see some of the clever things Delacre has done with this book. As a note in the back of the book says, the art in this title was created, “with layers of oil washes and paper collage on bristol paper that she primed with clear gesso.” The early sepia toned paints in the first few pages set the book squarely in the past. Most impressive, however, is her use of newsprint. I had vaguely noticed that newspaper would crop up as sidewalks, walls, floors or other parts of these illustrations. Many times you wouldn’t notice them on a first reading, and only on subsequent rereads would the newsprint appear as books on a shelf or the back of a pew. And many times the newsprint will refer to the scene in which it appears. As the book says, “on page 3, the artwork contains pieces of a timetable of new arrivals into Manhattan by steamship.” This is paired with a section discussing how recently Hildamar arrived in New York from Puerto Rico. A news item from San Juan, Puerto Rico makes up the wallpaper in Hildamar’s kitchen. Marriage announcements appear in church on a pew. And a weather report lies not far from a roaring fire, while outside the weather grows dark and stormy. You could spend a long time just identifying each newspaper section as you made your way through the book for fun, if you had half a mind to do so.
At New York Public Library I am happy to report that the librarians still close out their storytelling sessions by having everyone in the audience blow out the storytime candle together. If there is any librarian that deserves to be lauded in a picture book, I couldn’t think of a better candidate than Ms. Pura Belpre. For anyone looking for a book about a real person with a bit of Spanish to round out the old vocabulary, The Storyteller’s Candle should do quite nicely. It lauds without pandering which is rare. A worthy addition to your collection.
Ages 4-8.
April 14, 2008
This is a bilingual book, and a fun way for me to brush up on my Spanish. It’s an inspiring historical fiction picture book for children about Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian to be hired by the New York Public Library, and this story takes place during the Great Depression.
The story is told in English and Spanish, each portion either on the same page one paragraph after the other or on facing pages. I thought it was a nice touch that in the English language sections there’s a little Spanish, and in one instance a little English in a Spanish section.
This story follows a fictional sister and brother who have moved to New York from Puerto Rico within the year and are trying to become accustomed to New York’s winter weather. They think the library is not for them, that it’s English speaking/English books only. Not only is Spanish spoken and are there Spanish language stories and books, but a beloved tradition of celebrating Three Kings Day is done with a play the children help give. I love the message that the library and its books are for everyone. I was more inspired by Pura Belpre and the real events than by this fictional story, but I also enjoyed the story. I thought it was wonderful how the librarian goes to the children’s school and then it’s the children who inform the adults that there actually isn’t a language barrier at the library, and how they clamor to go to the library and how they bring everyone from the neighborhood/barrio along with them.
Pura Belpré was amazing, and I think this story does a terrific job of showing how immigrants can go from feeling on the outside of things to feeling part of the community.
The illustrations are a pleasure to view and there’s a note in the back that gives fascinating information about how they were created. There’s also a short Glossary of Terms in the back of the book.
I live in a multi-cultural city so my library has many, many books in the English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, and Russian languages, and some books in many other languages also. It’s just stupendous.
The story is told in English and Spanish, each portion either on the same page one paragraph after the other or on facing pages. I thought it was a nice touch that in the English language sections there’s a little Spanish, and in one instance a little English in a Spanish section.
This story follows a fictional sister and brother who have moved to New York from Puerto Rico within the year and are trying to become accustomed to New York’s winter weather. They think the library is not for them, that it’s English speaking/English books only. Not only is Spanish spoken and are there Spanish language stories and books, but a beloved tradition of celebrating Three Kings Day is done with a play the children help give. I love the message that the library and its books are for everyone. I was more inspired by Pura Belpre and the real events than by this fictional story, but I also enjoyed the story. I thought it was wonderful how the librarian goes to the children’s school and then it’s the children who inform the adults that there actually isn’t a language barrier at the library, and how they clamor to go to the library and how they bring everyone from the neighborhood/barrio along with them.
Pura Belpré was amazing, and I think this story does a terrific job of showing how immigrants can go from feeling on the outside of things to feeling part of the community.
The illustrations are a pleasure to view and there’s a note in the back that gives fascinating information about how they were created. There’s also a short Glossary of Terms in the back of the book.
I live in a multi-cultural city so my library has many, many books in the English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, and Russian languages, and some books in many other languages also. It’s just stupendous.
September 10, 2019
With the exception of
Firefly Summer
, her novel for younger readers, I've read and enjoyed pretty much everything published by Pura Belpré - the Puerto Rican children's author and librarian for whom the The Pura Belpré Award, set up to honor Latina/o children's authors and illustrators, was named. So when I discovered that there was a picture-book about Belpré herself, and her role in making The New York Public Library accessible to the Latina/o community, I was quite excited to read it. I'm glad to say that Lucia Gonzalez' The Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos does not disappoint!
Told from the perspective of cousins Hildamar and Santiago, who walk past the library every day, but never go in, because they believe it is for English-speakers only, this bilingual book really demonstrates what an important resource the library can be, not just as a repository for reading material, but as a place for communal celebration. I enjoyed following along, as Hildamar, Santiago, and their friends and family learn that Spanish-speakers too are welcome at the library, and found the conclusion - in which they all pitch in to create a Three Kings Day pageant - immensely heartwarming. The accompanying mixed-media illustrations by Lulu Delacre, which utilize a newspaper from one of the important days (January 6, 1930) in the story, are very appealing.
All in all, this was an engaging book, featuring an influential figure in the world of children's literature and librarianship, and I recommend it to all readers (young or old) with an interest in books, libraries, or issues of accessibility. And for those librarians looking to make their own collections more Spanish-friendly, I recommend Library Service to Spanish Speaking Patrons: A Practical Guide , which happens, not coincidentally, to be written by an aunt of mine.
Told from the perspective of cousins Hildamar and Santiago, who walk past the library every day, but never go in, because they believe it is for English-speakers only, this bilingual book really demonstrates what an important resource the library can be, not just as a repository for reading material, but as a place for communal celebration. I enjoyed following along, as Hildamar, Santiago, and their friends and family learn that Spanish-speakers too are welcome at the library, and found the conclusion - in which they all pitch in to create a Three Kings Day pageant - immensely heartwarming. The accompanying mixed-media illustrations by Lulu Delacre, which utilize a newspaper from one of the important days (January 6, 1930) in the story, are very appealing.
All in all, this was an engaging book, featuring an influential figure in the world of children's literature and librarianship, and I recommend it to all readers (young or old) with an interest in books, libraries, or issues of accessibility. And for those librarians looking to make their own collections more Spanish-friendly, I recommend Library Service to Spanish Speaking Patrons: A Practical Guide , which happens, not coincidentally, to be written by an aunt of mine.
April 14, 2008
Imagine not going in to the library because no one speaks your language! I enjoyed this story about Pura Belpre, the first Puerto Rican librarian to be hired by the New York Public Library, and the impact she had on the Hispanic people, young and old, in the area. Not only did she provide books in Spanish, but she encouraged the revival of Hispanic community traditions that they had left behind in their native countries. I would like to read more about her life. What an inspiration!
April 20, 2009
What librarian doesn't love stories about the power of libraries and inspirational librarians?! This bilingual picture book highlights the work of Pura Belpre, the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library System. Shown through the eyes of a fictional family, it describes how Belpre welcomed the Spanish-speaking community into the library through stories and activities that acknowledged their cultural heritage. The illustrator incorporated pieces of a 1930 newspaper into her paper collage and oil wash artwork. An end note provides additional biographical information.
Read
March 11, 2016Readers familiar with or who have heard of the Pura Belpré Award will appreciate learning about the woman whom the award is named after in this (seemingly very fitting) Pura Belpré Author and Illustrator Honor and Jane Addams Honor book. The story takes place in cold, wintry New York City during the beginning of the Great Depression, where Hildamar and Santiago, cousins, are adjusting to life away from their home in Puerto Rico. The cousins ask a family member about a "tall building with windows that seem to invite them inside" on their way to school one day, and they are told it is the library, but that they are not to go inside because they are noisy and speak Spanish, while those inside speak English.
To the complete surprise of the cousins, a visitor came to their class at school later that day. Her name was Pura Belpré, and she was from the library! She delighted the students with puppets and stories in both English and Spanish. Believe it or not, she told the class that the library was for everyone, and invited the students to visit during their upcoming winter break. The children visited the library soon after that and spent more time listening to stories from Pura Belpré by the light of the storyteller's candle. They were most pleased to find out that Pura Belpré was planning a fiesta for Three Kings' Day, an important celebration to the family and community. Neighbors worked together to prepare for the Three Kings' Day event, and on the day of, it was a great success.
Students may relate and connect to this story in various ways and on different levels, and the themes of family, community, and togetherness will appeal to readers of different types of cultures and backgrounds. This would be a helpful text to use in conjunction with non-fiction texts on Pura Belpré or when studying the background or history of literary awards. Lulu Delacre, the illustrator, used an original 1930 New York Times copy as part of her illustrations, which may be helpful when using the book as part of a study on the Great Depression and its effects on various groups of people. Notes on the artwork, the author and illustrator, and a glossary in the back of the book may be additionally helpful to readers. It should be noted that the text is written in both English and Spanish on each spread.
To the complete surprise of the cousins, a visitor came to their class at school later that day. Her name was Pura Belpré, and she was from the library! She delighted the students with puppets and stories in both English and Spanish. Believe it or not, she told the class that the library was for everyone, and invited the students to visit during their upcoming winter break. The children visited the library soon after that and spent more time listening to stories from Pura Belpré by the light of the storyteller's candle. They were most pleased to find out that Pura Belpré was planning a fiesta for Three Kings' Day, an important celebration to the family and community. Neighbors worked together to prepare for the Three Kings' Day event, and on the day of, it was a great success.
Students may relate and connect to this story in various ways and on different levels, and the themes of family, community, and togetherness will appeal to readers of different types of cultures and backgrounds. This would be a helpful text to use in conjunction with non-fiction texts on Pura Belpré or when studying the background or history of literary awards. Lulu Delacre, the illustrator, used an original 1930 New York Times copy as part of her illustrations, which may be helpful when using the book as part of a study on the Great Depression and its effects on various groups of people. Notes on the artwork, the author and illustrator, and a glossary in the back of the book may be additionally helpful to readers. It should be noted that the text is written in both English and Spanish on each spread.
February 27, 2015
The Storyteller’s Candle written by Lucia Gonzalez and illustrated by Lulu Delacre is a beautiful picture book that reflects happy times during such a dark era. The Great Depression especially hit Puerto Rican families hard. They moved from their little island of Puerto Rico to live in El Barrios or neighborhoods of New York City. El Barrios were not taken care of and the Puerto Rican people lived rough winters because of the poor conditions. There was so much darkness, but Lucia Gonzalez describes the impact the public library on the Puerto Rican people at this time. The public library was the bright light at the end of the tunnel. This story is so inspiring and encouraging. Two cousins, Hildamar and Santiago, find a safe haven at the public library. They feel a connection with their Puerto Rican heritage that they left behind.
I love the way The Storyteller’s Candle embraces the Puerto Rican culture. This is a dual language story, so each page has the words written in both English and Spanish. It really emphasizes the multicultural aspect of New York City. Reading this story with both native English speakers and English language learners would be a wonderful way to bring the cultures together. The illustrations in this picture book are also wonderful. Lulu Delacre created such beautiful images to represent the characters of the story and El Barrio. Her attention to detail was amazing. She really brings the Puerto Rican heritage alive through her pictures. The color use, attention to detail, and overall style that she uses really makes the book that much more engaging. The book also has an introduction at the very beginning. This is so helpful because many students aren’t aware of what happened during this time. We also get a little background knowledge on the author at the very end of the story.
I would definitely use this book in the classroom. This story would help to bring students of different cultures together. I really enjoy how it brings to light something that had such a strong impact on Puerto Ricans during a tragic time. The lesson in the story is really visible and I think that it would be a great read for the students.
I love the way The Storyteller’s Candle embraces the Puerto Rican culture. This is a dual language story, so each page has the words written in both English and Spanish. It really emphasizes the multicultural aspect of New York City. Reading this story with both native English speakers and English language learners would be a wonderful way to bring the cultures together. The illustrations in this picture book are also wonderful. Lulu Delacre created such beautiful images to represent the characters of the story and El Barrio. Her attention to detail was amazing. She really brings the Puerto Rican heritage alive through her pictures. The color use, attention to detail, and overall style that she uses really makes the book that much more engaging. The book also has an introduction at the very beginning. This is so helpful because many students aren’t aware of what happened during this time. We also get a little background knowledge on the author at the very end of the story.
I would definitely use this book in the classroom. This story would help to bring students of different cultures together. I really enjoy how it brings to light something that had such a strong impact on Puerto Ricans during a tragic time. The lesson in the story is really visible and I think that it would be a great read for the students.
Read
October 21, 2017The Storyteller’s Candle, written by Lucia Gonzalez, with a genre in realistic fiction, illustrated by Lulu Delacre, is about a girl name Hildamar who, one day, walks past a library and wants to go inside, but her aunt tells her that because they dont speak English and the people in the library dont speak Spanish, they cant go in. At school, Hildamar gets a visit from a Hispanic librarian; she learns that the library if full of Spanish books and there is someone who speaks Spanish to help her. This story does a great job of highlighting many misconceptions/stereotypes about Hispanic people and how they can feel like they dont belong. Many children can easily relate to this story because it is very common to feel left out. Children of any age understand how this feels and it helps to read about other of whom they can relate too. The illustrations make the reader feel welcome to the story by using warm colors. They add to the story of feeling at home and comfortable, in this case, in the library with Spanish books. This book allows children to dream and not be afraid of following that dream.
To support Gonzalez, Lulu Delacre achieves the same integrated intent by incorporating newspaper clippings from The New York Times. Her use of both oil washes and paper collages combine to illustrate a very welcoming and warm message. Delacre and Gonzalez combine to create a wonderful piece of literature that is immortilized by focusing on the dreams of children.
To support Gonzalez, Lulu Delacre achieves the same integrated intent by incorporating newspaper clippings from The New York Times. Her use of both oil washes and paper collages combine to illustrate a very welcoming and warm message. Delacre and Gonzalez combine to create a wonderful piece of literature that is immortilized by focusing on the dreams of children.
April 23, 2012
This is a wonderful story about the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library system. The story describes how she went into the schools to reach out to all children, but especially the Spanish-speaking children who had come to New York with their families. She planned programs that reminded those from Puerto Rico of their life there and helped them to find Spanish language resources.
This book has a simple narrative that is printed on each page in both English and Spanish and is accompanied by mixed media illustrations that combine layers of oil washes with paper collage, using real newspapers from 1930. The effect is sweetly old fashioned and very entertaining. I love that the children were so excited to go to the library and I love the fact that they were the ones who convinced the adults to explore the library, too. It was nice that a few Spanish words were incorporated into the English section and vice versa.
Overall, I thought this was an entertaining story that tells a little bit about the history of Puerto Rican people coming to live in New York and about a special librarian who made them feel at home. I liked that the book provides a short biography of her life at the end of the story. The fact that this tale is based on a real person makes it even better. We really enjoyed reading this story together.
This story was selected as one of the books for the May 2010 - Latino reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
interesting quote:
"Today, with everyone's help, we brought the warmth and beauty of Puerto Rico to New York. Remember, the library belongs to you all. We'll blow out the storyteller's candle, and your wish will come true."
This book has a simple narrative that is printed on each page in both English and Spanish and is accompanied by mixed media illustrations that combine layers of oil washes with paper collage, using real newspapers from 1930. The effect is sweetly old fashioned and very entertaining. I love that the children were so excited to go to the library and I love the fact that they were the ones who convinced the adults to explore the library, too. It was nice that a few Spanish words were incorporated into the English section and vice versa.
Overall, I thought this was an entertaining story that tells a little bit about the history of Puerto Rican people coming to live in New York and about a special librarian who made them feel at home. I liked that the book provides a short biography of her life at the end of the story. The fact that this tale is based on a real person makes it even better. We really enjoyed reading this story together.
This story was selected as one of the books for the May 2010 - Latino reads at the Picture-Book Club in the Children's Books Group here at Goodreads.
interesting quote:
"Today, with everyone's help, we brought the warmth and beauty of Puerto Rico to New York. Remember, the library belongs to you all. We'll blow out the storyteller's candle, and your wish will come true."
January 30, 2010
The Storyteller’s Candle by Lucia Gonzalez was the 2009 Pura Belpré Honor Book for Narratives. I gave this book five stars. This picture book is intended for readers from preschool to grade 3. This is the story of the public library in El Barrio in Manhattan and the way Pura Belpré opened up, brought to life, and welcomed many Puerto Rican immigrants into the wonderful world of books. The Puerto Rican culture, language, and spirit is captured as Pura Belpré lights her storyteller’s candle, blows it out, and encourages all Puerto Ricans to enjoy what the library has to offer. The mixture of both Spanish and English words throughout the story as well as Puerto Rican cultural traditions such as Three King’s Day and Navidades help the reader understand the mission of creating a world full of readers and library-goers, no matter what their country of origin may be. Home can be any place and it can travel with us through books. The author’s notes at the beginning and end of the text help the reader learn about who Pura Belpré was and how she opened up the doors of the library to Puerto Ricans and all Spanish speakers alike. There is also a glossary of Spanish words and their meanings in order to help the reader even further understand the text. The illustrations are captivating and informative, as they include excerpts of actual newsprint detailing the El Barrio public library and information regarding Belpré and Puerto Rican immigrants. Any reader can connect to this story, as this is a warm and heartfelt story about the power of all people to come together and enjoy the doors that books open up.
January 31, 2011
"The Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos" is a heart-warming story about the Puerto Rican children of New York City and their discovery of real-life Puerto Rican librarian Pura Belpre in the winter of 1929. Pura Belpre was New York City's very first Latina librarian. Using her love of stories, children, and her native culture, Belpre made a new home for Puerto Rican children-a place where they could speak their own language, hear their native stories, and feel welcomed and appreciated. The unique illustrations from Lulu Delacre feature bits of newpaper from the New York Times to make things like wallpaper, clouds, and flooring.
I greatly enjoyed the story because it featured the writing both in English and in Spanish below. I first read the English passage, then read it in Spanish. This technique helped me so much with my comprehension, and I realized how much I wish that my Spanish teachers would have used English and Spanish side-by-side when I was trying to read Spanish. It would have been such a great teaching tool. Even using picture books such as this is a great way to check comprehension and give students confidence as they see both languages on the page. Author Lucia M. Gonzalez also includes a glossary of Puerto Rican terms at the back of the book.
I greatly enjoyed the story because it featured the writing both in English and in Spanish below. I first read the English passage, then read it in Spanish. This technique helped me so much with my comprehension, and I realized how much I wish that my Spanish teachers would have used English and Spanish side-by-side when I was trying to read Spanish. It would have been such a great teaching tool. Even using picture books such as this is a great way to check comprehension and give students confidence as they see both languages on the page. Author Lucia M. Gonzalez also includes a glossary of Puerto Rican terms at the back of the book.
February 2, 2011
A story that grips the imagination of a child and allows them to dream. Lucia Gonzalez does an excellent job of prompting the reader to imagine different wishes. In addition, the story is based around the theme that anything is possible. Gonzalez provides an excellent translation for both English and Spanish speakers, along with a glossary of terms and comprehension questions at the end of the story. It is clear that Gonzalez kept the intended audience in mind, and made sure to apply to their reading ability.
To support Gonzalez, Lulu Delacre achieves the same integrated intent by incorporating newspaper clippings from The New York Times. Her use of both oil washes and paper collages combine to illustrate a very welcoming and warm message. Delacre and Gonzalez combine to create a wonderful piece of literature that is immortilized by focusing on the dreams of children.
To support Gonzalez, Lulu Delacre achieves the same integrated intent by incorporating newspaper clippings from The New York Times. Her use of both oil washes and paper collages combine to illustrate a very welcoming and warm message. Delacre and Gonzalez combine to create a wonderful piece of literature that is immortilized by focusing on the dreams of children.
June 1, 2015
This is a lovely book based around Pura Belpre's life...but a fictional account. Hildamar and Santiago are cousins who have just moved to NYC from Puerto Rico. They admire the beautiful library but their family says they can't go inside because no one there speaks Spanish. But then Pura Belpre visits their school and tells stories in English and Spanish and invites all the children to visit the library. The illustrations in this book are remarkable, including collage elements from the New York Times on January 6, 1930. The book contains an author's note, a note about the artwork and a glossary of Spanish terms (the book is written side by side in English and Spanish...but a few Spanish words are incorporated into the English text. These terms are explained in the glossary.). Highly recommended.
May 13, 2011
This is a story about Pura Belpre, who was the first Puerto Rican librarian hired at the New York Public Library. She was a great storyteller and helped children find their culture in a world so different than what they were accustomed. Many Puerto Ricans came to New York to find work and new opportunities. Most moved to an area called El Barrio north of Manhattan. They were not use to the cold weather and missed their island. They were surprised when Pura Belpre came to their school and told stories in both English and Spanish and invited them to the library. At the library, they found they could celebrate their culture. I love that her name is used to honor Latino writers and illustrators. She inspired many students and helped them celebrate the Latino culture.
December 31, 2015
I have to admit that I was very unfamiliar with the story of Pura Belpre - I'd heard of the book award, but was totally unfamiliar with the tale of the first Puerto Rican librarian hired by NYPL. I love the way the author weaves her into a telling of Three Kings Day. The illustration technique of collaging in snippets of old NY newspapers into the images (discussed at the end of the book) is wonderful. Once I realized they were picked to complement each scene based on the print topic I had to go back over each page. This book is bilingual, and would be great in any picture book collection, and wonderful for classroom reading I think. Now if only they would allow me a storyteller's candle at the library - pretty sure I'd never get it by risk management, but a gal can dream, right?
October 16, 2009
This non-fiction picture book tells the story of Pura Belpre, author and the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library system. Through her story telling and gentle warmth this amazing woman welcomed Latinos into the New York City libraries and celebrated Latino writers. I found this book very interesting and informative -- especially since I have been reading a number of Pura Belpre Honor Award books and had no idea who Pura Belpre was!
Historical; 2008; Pura Belpre Honor Award
Historical; 2008; Pura Belpre Honor Award
January 27, 2010
This book was informative and very interesting. It tells the story of Bulpre and how she invited children and spanish speakers into the library. You can feel how powerful this invitation was for the children and the community. The story feels more like a story than a biography or informational book, which will helps pull you through the book.
I loved the illustrations because they we incredibly detailed, but stayed in the background subtly.
I loved the illustrations because they we incredibly detailed, but stayed in the background subtly.
September 20, 2019
The Storyteller's Candle: La Velita de Los Cuentos is a children's picture book written by Lucia M. González and illustrated by Lulu Delacre. It is a biographical picture book of Pura Belpré – the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Pura Belpré was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. She was also a writer, collector of folktales, and puppeteer.
González's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. González livens the English text with a sprinkling of Spanish words, and chooses facts of interest to children, but streamlines biographical details so that she can focus on the characters. Delacre's inviting oil and collage illustrations cleverly incorporate sepia-toned clippings from a January 6, 1930, New York Times, turning them into architectural elements of the book.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This warmhearted Spanish/English bilingual story adopts the perspectives of two children who are inspired by Belpré to enter a library for the very first time. During a cold, Depression-era winter, Belpré organizes the community to hold a Three Kings' Day festival at the library.
All in all, The Storyteller's Candle: La Velita de Los Cuentos is a wonderful cursory bilingual biography about Pura Belpré – the first Puerto Rican New York City librarian.
Mid-September to Mid-October, at least in my part of the world is Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Pura Belpré was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. She was also a writer, collector of folktales, and puppeteer.
González's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. González livens the English text with a sprinkling of Spanish words, and chooses facts of interest to children, but streamlines biographical details so that she can focus on the characters. Delacre's inviting oil and collage illustrations cleverly incorporate sepia-toned clippings from a January 6, 1930, New York Times, turning them into architectural elements of the book.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. This warmhearted Spanish/English bilingual story adopts the perspectives of two children who are inspired by Belpré to enter a library for the very first time. During a cold, Depression-era winter, Belpré organizes the community to hold a Three Kings' Day festival at the library.
All in all, The Storyteller's Candle: La Velita de Los Cuentos is a wonderful cursory bilingual biography about Pura Belpré – the first Puerto Rican New York City librarian.
December 19, 2016
The book starts with an introduction that gives readers some of the historical and biographical context of the work, describing the influx of Puerto Rican immigrants to New York City during the years of the Great Depression (1929-1935). Many Puerto Ricans lived in a neighborhood of Manhattan known as El Barrio:
Winter was harsh for the people of El Barrio. This was when they most missed their island’s tropical warmth. But during this time something wonderful happened. A talented storyteller named Pura Belpré was hired to work as the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library system. Through her work, her stories, and her books, Pura Belpre brought the warmth and beauty of Puerto Rico to the children in El Barrio.
This story reminds us not only of the inspirational Hispanic-American figures of the past, but also of the moving power of literature to bring us back to a different time, a different place, and, ultimately, a lasting heritage.
The Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos, best for grades kindergarten and up, is a bilingual book, showing the text in English and then in Spanish. The English text is also peppered with some Spanish words throughout: “I remember the parrandas and aguinaldos, when family and neighbors came to visit, sing, dance, and eat!” At the back of the book, the author has included a Glossary of Terms to help readers understand the Spanish vocabulary and the cultural references. For example, a parranda is “when a group of friends gathers together to asaltar, or surprise, another friend.”
The story begins with the two protagonists, Hildamar, and her cousin, Santiago, two Puerto-Rican children who arrived to New York City with their families a few months earlier on El Ponce, a large ship. It is wintertime in New York and neither of them is accustomed to the cold. Seated around the dinner table, their family discusses plans for El Día de los Reyes, reminiscing about all of the yuletide traditions back home in Puerto Rico. El Día de los Reyes is celebrated on January 6th, the 12th day of Christmas, in most parts of Latin America and Spain.
The next day Hildamar, Santiago, and Titi Maria pass by “a tall building with windows that seem to invite them inside.” The building is the New York City Public Library. The children are inquisitive, but Titi Maria reminds them that they don’t speak English, and the people at the library don’t speak Spanish: “And so it was such that they never went inside.” Here, the story sets up a social divide, a cultural and linguistic dissonance, which a new protagonist, and a turn of events, will eventually help mend.
One day, a special guest comes to Hildamar’s elementary school class. Her name is Pura Belpré and she comes from the public library. Ms. Belpré tells stories with puppets to the children, in English and in Spanish. Not only does this scene illustrate Belpré’s renowned community engagement and service, but it also highlights some pedagogical techniques that we have also previously featured in some of our educator’s workshops that we’ve held here in Albuquerque. Interactive puppet shows, as utilized by Pura Belpré, can be very useful for language-learning, and can help children learn new words by observing the context. Later on, Ms. Belpré invites everyone to come visit the public library. In the process, she serves as an intercultural mediator for the Puerto Rican community.
As the story progresses, readers will learn more about how Belpré engaged with the Puerto Rican community, and especially inspired young Puerto Rican children to become involved, learn new things, and let their imaginations soar. In particular, Ms. Belpré encourages Hildamar and Santiago to participate in a community play to celebrate El Día de los Reyes. Everyone participates and contributes to making the stage, the costumes, or rehearsing lines for their part.
As the library community and the Puerto Rican community together to plan and prepare for their play, readers will observe, in greater detail, the yuletide traditions of Puerto Rico culture. Thus, this book would be perfect for classroom lessons on important Hispanic-American figures, including Pura Belpré, and the values associated with community service, as well as lessons on winter celebrations and holidays, and the different ways in which these holidays are celebrated across the Americas. If you choose to use this book for the latter, you may want to also check out my review from last year on Feliz Navidad, which talks in particular about the different seasonal associations between Christmas in the U.S. and Christmas in Puerto Rico.
Finally, on the day of the play, “the reading room had become an island in the Caribbean.” This imagery not only exemplifies, in a more literal sense, the work and innovation that the community dedicated to decorating and setting the stage, but also, in a more metaphorical sense, the emotive power of literature to bring us back to a familiar place, or to journey us through to a different world. Pura Belpre built metaphorical bridges, unified communities, and opened minds to the wonderful world of books.
For the full review, visit teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com
Winter was harsh for the people of El Barrio. This was when they most missed their island’s tropical warmth. But during this time something wonderful happened. A talented storyteller named Pura Belpré was hired to work as the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library system. Through her work, her stories, and her books, Pura Belpre brought the warmth and beauty of Puerto Rico to the children in El Barrio.
This story reminds us not only of the inspirational Hispanic-American figures of the past, but also of the moving power of literature to bring us back to a different time, a different place, and, ultimately, a lasting heritage.
The Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos, best for grades kindergarten and up, is a bilingual book, showing the text in English and then in Spanish. The English text is also peppered with some Spanish words throughout: “I remember the parrandas and aguinaldos, when family and neighbors came to visit, sing, dance, and eat!” At the back of the book, the author has included a Glossary of Terms to help readers understand the Spanish vocabulary and the cultural references. For example, a parranda is “when a group of friends gathers together to asaltar, or surprise, another friend.”
The story begins with the two protagonists, Hildamar, and her cousin, Santiago, two Puerto-Rican children who arrived to New York City with their families a few months earlier on El Ponce, a large ship. It is wintertime in New York and neither of them is accustomed to the cold. Seated around the dinner table, their family discusses plans for El Día de los Reyes, reminiscing about all of the yuletide traditions back home in Puerto Rico. El Día de los Reyes is celebrated on January 6th, the 12th day of Christmas, in most parts of Latin America and Spain.
The next day Hildamar, Santiago, and Titi Maria pass by “a tall building with windows that seem to invite them inside.” The building is the New York City Public Library. The children are inquisitive, but Titi Maria reminds them that they don’t speak English, and the people at the library don’t speak Spanish: “And so it was such that they never went inside.” Here, the story sets up a social divide, a cultural and linguistic dissonance, which a new protagonist, and a turn of events, will eventually help mend.
One day, a special guest comes to Hildamar’s elementary school class. Her name is Pura Belpré and she comes from the public library. Ms. Belpré tells stories with puppets to the children, in English and in Spanish. Not only does this scene illustrate Belpré’s renowned community engagement and service, but it also highlights some pedagogical techniques that we have also previously featured in some of our educator’s workshops that we’ve held here in Albuquerque. Interactive puppet shows, as utilized by Pura Belpré, can be very useful for language-learning, and can help children learn new words by observing the context. Later on, Ms. Belpré invites everyone to come visit the public library. In the process, she serves as an intercultural mediator for the Puerto Rican community.
As the story progresses, readers will learn more about how Belpré engaged with the Puerto Rican community, and especially inspired young Puerto Rican children to become involved, learn new things, and let their imaginations soar. In particular, Ms. Belpré encourages Hildamar and Santiago to participate in a community play to celebrate El Día de los Reyes. Everyone participates and contributes to making the stage, the costumes, or rehearsing lines for their part.
As the library community and the Puerto Rican community together to plan and prepare for their play, readers will observe, in greater detail, the yuletide traditions of Puerto Rico culture. Thus, this book would be perfect for classroom lessons on important Hispanic-American figures, including Pura Belpré, and the values associated with community service, as well as lessons on winter celebrations and holidays, and the different ways in which these holidays are celebrated across the Americas. If you choose to use this book for the latter, you may want to also check out my review from last year on Feliz Navidad, which talks in particular about the different seasonal associations between Christmas in the U.S. and Christmas in Puerto Rico.
Finally, on the day of the play, “the reading room had become an island in the Caribbean.” This imagery not only exemplifies, in a more literal sense, the work and innovation that the community dedicated to decorating and setting the stage, but also, in a more metaphorical sense, the emotive power of literature to bring us back to a familiar place, or to journey us through to a different world. Pura Belpre built metaphorical bridges, unified communities, and opened minds to the wonderful world of books.
For the full review, visit teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.wordpress.com
March 8, 2012
The Storyteller’s Candle by Lucia Gonzalez and illustrated by Lulu Delacre was published by Children’s Book Press in 2008. This bilingual text details the influence of Pura Belpre on the Puerto Rican community in Manhattan during the Great Depression. As the families try to cope with the winter weather in El Barrio, they long for the warm climate and warm community they remember from home. Pura Belpre serves as an ambassador for the library, showing the children during school presentations that “the library is for everyone.” As the children bring their families to library storytelling events, the community comes together to organize a large fiesta in honor of Three Kings Day.
This book tells a heartwarming story of community connections thanks to Belpre’s efforts. The author’s brief introduction gives historical context to the story, and her concluding biography of Pura Belpre helps readers know more about Belpre’s life and motivation. Dialogue and descriptions of characters’ thoughts and feelings support the narrative in communicating many components of the experiences of immigrant families such as nostalgia about home, uncertainty about blending habits and traditions with a new way of life, and elation when connecting with others with a shared heritage. The children’s enthusiasm for their new discoveries and experiences eventually overpower the adults’ reluctance about finding their place in unfamiliar settings. The strength of the Barrio community is revealed through the adults’ willingness to follow the children’s lead, and their full support of the fiesta that concludes the text. Delacre’s illustrations add to the historical context by depicting period settings and clothing, with sepia tones to create an “old-world” feel. One fascinating component of the artwork is Delacre’s use of an original copy of the New York Times from January 1930 to create a collage within the illustrations on the pages. Often, the text of the newspaper articles relate to the story’s plot on that page. This subtle yet rich component of the illustrations adds another layer of meaning to the text.
Many components of Puerto Rican-American culture are woven into the pages of this book. The fact that the text is written in both English and Spanish reinforces the idea that the library (and the books within) can be for everyone, and makes this text accessible to many more readers than an English-only version would be. Some Spanish words are woven into the English text without translation, but their meaning can usually be easily inferred by non-Spanish speakers (a glossary in the back of the text also helps with understanding of some of the Spanish phrases). The Puerto Rican families’ traditional foods, customs, and holidays are described as part of their reminiscences about home. Additionally, at the fiesta, the children perform a story about the cockroach Martina and the mouse Santiago, who are well-known Latin folktale characters.
This text could be used in a variety of ways with students from first through fifth grade. It could easily be incorporated into units about immigration or community. The incorporation of historical details throughout the text would make for interesting points of discussion with students of all ages. One notable fact that I learned while researching this book is that the author is donating her royalties from the text to the Pura Belpre Award endowment. Sharing this information with students could lead to conversations about the lasting impact that Belpre had on her community, and the significance of the award itself.
This book tells a heartwarming story of community connections thanks to Belpre’s efforts. The author’s brief introduction gives historical context to the story, and her concluding biography of Pura Belpre helps readers know more about Belpre’s life and motivation. Dialogue and descriptions of characters’ thoughts and feelings support the narrative in communicating many components of the experiences of immigrant families such as nostalgia about home, uncertainty about blending habits and traditions with a new way of life, and elation when connecting with others with a shared heritage. The children’s enthusiasm for their new discoveries and experiences eventually overpower the adults’ reluctance about finding their place in unfamiliar settings. The strength of the Barrio community is revealed through the adults’ willingness to follow the children’s lead, and their full support of the fiesta that concludes the text. Delacre’s illustrations add to the historical context by depicting period settings and clothing, with sepia tones to create an “old-world” feel. One fascinating component of the artwork is Delacre’s use of an original copy of the New York Times from January 1930 to create a collage within the illustrations on the pages. Often, the text of the newspaper articles relate to the story’s plot on that page. This subtle yet rich component of the illustrations adds another layer of meaning to the text.
Many components of Puerto Rican-American culture are woven into the pages of this book. The fact that the text is written in both English and Spanish reinforces the idea that the library (and the books within) can be for everyone, and makes this text accessible to many more readers than an English-only version would be. Some Spanish words are woven into the English text without translation, but their meaning can usually be easily inferred by non-Spanish speakers (a glossary in the back of the text also helps with understanding of some of the Spanish phrases). The Puerto Rican families’ traditional foods, customs, and holidays are described as part of their reminiscences about home. Additionally, at the fiesta, the children perform a story about the cockroach Martina and the mouse Santiago, who are well-known Latin folktale characters.
This text could be used in a variety of ways with students from first through fifth grade. It could easily be incorporated into units about immigration or community. The incorporation of historical details throughout the text would make for interesting points of discussion with students of all ages. One notable fact that I learned while researching this book is that the author is donating her royalties from the text to the Pura Belpre Award endowment. Sharing this information with students could lead to conversations about the lasting impact that Belpre had on her community, and the significance of the award itself.
June 26, 2012
The 2009 Pura Belpré Honor Book for Narrative Award, The Storyteller’s Candle, written by Lucia González, is an ode to the wonders of reading and the importance of community leadership. This bilingual picture book highlights the work of Pura Belpre, the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library System. Set during the Great Depression, Hildamar and Santiago are two young kids trying to adjust to the cold New York weather. Enjoying memories of their hometown in Puerto Rico, the children discuss the possibility of the Kings from “El Dia de los Reyes’, Three King’s Day coming to the United States to celebrate.
This book would be best suited for student’s age (male and female) ages 5-9. Shown through the eyes of a fictional family, the story describes how Belpre welcomed the Spanish-speaking community into the library through stories and activities that acknowledged the cultural heritage of Puerto Rico. The illustrations are captivating and informative. They include excerpts of actual newsprint detailing the El Barrio public library and information regarding Belpré and Puerto Rican immigrants. Delacre precisely matches the articles from the paper with what is happening in the text. One of the most powerful illustrations in the novel is of the children excitedly clamoring up the library steps that are made of newsprint…words leading the children into the library. There is also a glossary of Spanish words and their meanings in order to help the reader even further understand the text. Any reader can connect to this story, as this is a warm and heartfelt story about the power of all people to come together and enjoy the world books help to create.
This book would be best suited for student’s age (male and female) ages 5-9. Shown through the eyes of a fictional family, the story describes how Belpre welcomed the Spanish-speaking community into the library through stories and activities that acknowledged the cultural heritage of Puerto Rico. The illustrations are captivating and informative. They include excerpts of actual newsprint detailing the El Barrio public library and information regarding Belpré and Puerto Rican immigrants. Delacre precisely matches the articles from the paper with what is happening in the text. One of the most powerful illustrations in the novel is of the children excitedly clamoring up the library steps that are made of newsprint…words leading the children into the library. There is also a glossary of Spanish words and their meanings in order to help the reader even further understand the text. Any reader can connect to this story, as this is a warm and heartfelt story about the power of all people to come together and enjoy the world books help to create.
July 17, 2012
Main Characters: Pura Belpre , Hildamar and her cousin Santiago
Point of View: Narrator
Setting: Puerto Rican young kids then travel to New York
Plot: Young Puerto Rican immigrants traveled from Puerto Rico to New York. These students walk by the library everyday but are not able to go in because their families believe they won't learn anything since they only know how to speak Spanish and no English. One day a librarian comes to their school and tells the children to come to the library and there she will be able to read to them in English and Spanish. She says she can teach them many things. The librarian ends up being Pura Belpre who was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. The kids end up telling their families and many others about their invitation to the library where one day they also celebrate the day of the three kings. The families are so happy to finally feel like they did back home. Pura invites them back and makes them feel comfortable. She was rememebered because she lit a candle while she read to the community.
I feel that the main idea in this book was to create peace for many immigrant families. Pura Belpre was a brave woman who noticed that many students were being left out. She celebrated these students ethnicities and kept her word for it. I feel that I would recommend it to teachers who want to celebrate and acknowledge stduents different holidays, races, and ethnicities. We should never leave students out and make them feel alone. This story was extremely interesting and it taught me many facts I didn't know before.
Satisying statement: Celebrating different cultures can bring peace everywhere!
Point of View: Narrator
Setting: Puerto Rican young kids then travel to New York
Plot: Young Puerto Rican immigrants traveled from Puerto Rico to New York. These students walk by the library everyday but are not able to go in because their families believe they won't learn anything since they only know how to speak Spanish and no English. One day a librarian comes to their school and tells the children to come to the library and there she will be able to read to them in English and Spanish. She says she can teach them many things. The librarian ends up being Pura Belpre who was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. The kids end up telling their families and many others about their invitation to the library where one day they also celebrate the day of the three kings. The families are so happy to finally feel like they did back home. Pura invites them back and makes them feel comfortable. She was rememebered because she lit a candle while she read to the community.
I feel that the main idea in this book was to create peace for many immigrant families. Pura Belpre was a brave woman who noticed that many students were being left out. She celebrated these students ethnicities and kept her word for it. I feel that I would recommend it to teachers who want to celebrate and acknowledge stduents different holidays, races, and ethnicities. We should never leave students out and make them feel alone. This story was extremely interesting and it taught me many facts I didn't know before.
Satisying statement: Celebrating different cultures can bring peace everywhere!
October 7, 2009
This is the story of Pura Belpre, the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library system. Hildamar and her brother Santiago are spending their first winter in EL Barrio. As they pass by the beautiful library building, they ask their Titi Maria if they can go inside. She tells them that the people inside don't speak Spanish, and they can't speak English, so the three keep walking.
But that afternoon at school, the children were surprised to meet a librarian named Pura Belpre. She spoke Spanish, and she told them that, "The Library is for everyone." Hildamar and Santiago are so excited to go home and tell everyone about the nice librarian they met.
That Saturday their mother took the children and their Titi to the library. Pura Belpre welcomed the children, and told them a familiar story from their old country, Puerto Rico. She also told them there will be a fiesta for the Three Kings Day, and the children will be performing a play! Santiago and Hildamar both got parts in the play and Titi offered to help make the costumes. All of the neighbors began to come to the library every day to help prepare for the play. They also enjoyed reading the Spansih books and magazines.
On Three Kings Day the play was a huge success! Pura Belpre was able to bring all of the community together and they felt like they had their own Carribean island in the middle of New York City!
But that afternoon at school, the children were surprised to meet a librarian named Pura Belpre. She spoke Spanish, and she told them that, "The Library is for everyone." Hildamar and Santiago are so excited to go home and tell everyone about the nice librarian they met.
That Saturday their mother took the children and their Titi to the library. Pura Belpre welcomed the children, and told them a familiar story from their old country, Puerto Rico. She also told them there will be a fiesta for the Three Kings Day, and the children will be performing a play! Santiago and Hildamar both got parts in the play and Titi offered to help make the costumes. All of the neighbors began to come to the library every day to help prepare for the play. They also enjoyed reading the Spansih books and magazines.
On Three Kings Day the play was a huge success! Pura Belpre was able to bring all of the community together and they felt like they had their own Carribean island in the middle of New York City!
October 20, 2012
The Storyteller’s Candle
By Lucia Gonzalez
Illustrations by Lulu Delacre
(Group 3 Latino)
I was not very impressed with the book when I read it. However, I was noticing that throughout the book in the illustrations it looked like there were newspaper clippings in the background. At first I thought the illustrator was using this to reinforce the concept of the book to encourage reading in children. However, at the end of the book it is explained that the artist used newspaper clippings in the illustrations that not only pertained to what was happing in the story on that particular page but also that the newspaper was from the same time period that the book was written. The newspaper clippings were from an issue of the New York Times in 1930, this information could have inspired a little more interest in the book if that information was given instead of at the end of the story but at the beginning. It was also interesting to see how the author not only had the text in English but in Spanish as well. I can also see how this book could be used to incorporate the Spanish language and culture into the curriculum if they were studying other cultures or the Spanish language itself. Overall I ended up really liking the book, would only suggest that the illustration information be given in the beginning of the story.
By Lucia Gonzalez
Illustrations by Lulu Delacre
(Group 3 Latino)
I was not very impressed with the book when I read it. However, I was noticing that throughout the book in the illustrations it looked like there were newspaper clippings in the background. At first I thought the illustrator was using this to reinforce the concept of the book to encourage reading in children. However, at the end of the book it is explained that the artist used newspaper clippings in the illustrations that not only pertained to what was happing in the story on that particular page but also that the newspaper was from the same time period that the book was written. The newspaper clippings were from an issue of the New York Times in 1930, this information could have inspired a little more interest in the book if that information was given instead of at the end of the story but at the beginning. It was also interesting to see how the author not only had the text in English but in Spanish as well. I can also see how this book could be used to incorporate the Spanish language and culture into the curriculum if they were studying other cultures or the Spanish language itself. Overall I ended up really liking the book, would only suggest that the illustration information be given in the beginning of the story.
April 8, 2013
This book tells the story of two young children, Hildamar and Santiago, which have moved to New York City from the island of Puerto Rico in the 1930’s. The kids want to go to the library, but are told by an aunt that the library is not for them, because they don’t speak English. One day a woman comes to their school and invites them to the library, and she speaks Spanish. She invites the kids and the people of the community to celebrate Three Kings Day at the library. This book honors the legacy of Pura Belpré, New York Public Library’s first Puerto Rican librarian.
Although this story features Pura Belpré, the focus of this book is on two young children. Belpré introduces El Barrio to the library and explains to them that the library belongs to them. The illustrations include a collage and have bits of the New York Times Newspaper presenting itself amongst the pages as a table, a side walk and wallpaper among other things. During the time period, The Great Depression occurred, but the book does not highlight that. What is highlighted is the sense of community and how one woman was able to embrace them in the library.
This would be great to use with a bilingual group as a welcome for those that are not native to the community. It would also be something that would be great to read during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Although this story features Pura Belpré, the focus of this book is on two young children. Belpré introduces El Barrio to the library and explains to them that the library belongs to them. The illustrations include a collage and have bits of the New York Times Newspaper presenting itself amongst the pages as a table, a side walk and wallpaper among other things. During the time period, The Great Depression occurred, but the book does not highlight that. What is highlighted is the sense of community and how one woman was able to embrace them in the library.
This would be great to use with a bilingual group as a welcome for those that are not native to the community. It would also be something that would be great to read during Hispanic Heritage Month.
February 26, 2015
A tribute to Pura Belpré, this story is set in the Great Depression era when Puerto Ricans were coming to New York for a better life. In the story, Hildamar & Santiago meet Belpré when she comes to their school and their small community of Puerto Ricans change for the better. She captivates Hildamar, Santiago, their classmates, and their families with her storytelling skills and blows out her Storyteller Candle after each story. She involves the community in a celebration of El Dia de los Reyes, Three King's Day. Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian in the New York Public Library System, created an atmosphere where the Puerto Rican community in New York could celebrate their culture and freely speak their language.
This bilingual story is one that can captivate and engage readers. As a historical fiction text, it encompasses a rich story in an age-appropriate manner. The illustrations add depth to the story and correspond well to the text, while holding the attention of the readers. The character's lifestyles and speech are authentic and an appropriate representation of their cultural group. I would recommend this book to elementary grade kids as a great read-aloud and a great addition to a multicultural book shelf in any classroom.
This bilingual story is one that can captivate and engage readers. As a historical fiction text, it encompasses a rich story in an age-appropriate manner. The illustrations add depth to the story and correspond well to the text, while holding the attention of the readers. The character's lifestyles and speech are authentic and an appropriate representation of their cultural group. I would recommend this book to elementary grade kids as a great read-aloud and a great addition to a multicultural book shelf in any classroom.
October 18, 2013
Pura Belpré honor book.
This is a picture book for older children. It is too long for our storytime programs.
Summary:
During the early days of the Great Depression, New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpré, introduces the public library to immigrants living in El Barrio and hosts the neighborhood's first Three Kings' Day fiesta.
ubjects
Belpré, Pura -- Juvenile fiction.
Librarians -- Juvenile fiction.
Libraries -- Juvenile fiction
Libraries and immigrants -- Juvenile fiction.
Puerto Ricans -- New York (State) -- New York -- Juvenile fiction.
Epiphany -- Juvenile fiction.
Bibliotecarios -- Novela juvenil.
Bibliotecas -- Novela juvenil.
Inmigrantes -- Novela juvenil.
Puertorriqueños -- Nueva York (Estados Unidos : Estado) -- Nueva York -- Novela juvenil.
Epifanía -- Novela juvenil.
Materiales bilingües en español -- Inglés.
New York (N.Y.) -- History -- 1898-1951 -- Juvenile fiction.
Spanish language materials.
This is a picture book for older children. It is too long for our storytime programs.
Summary:
During the early days of the Great Depression, New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpré, introduces the public library to immigrants living in El Barrio and hosts the neighborhood's first Three Kings' Day fiesta.
ubjects
Belpré, Pura -- Juvenile fiction.
Librarians -- Juvenile fiction.
Libraries -- Juvenile fiction
Libraries and immigrants -- Juvenile fiction.
Puerto Ricans -- New York (State) -- New York -- Juvenile fiction.
Epiphany -- Juvenile fiction.
Bibliotecarios -- Novela juvenil.
Bibliotecas -- Novela juvenil.
Inmigrantes -- Novela juvenil.
Puertorriqueños -- Nueva York (Estados Unidos : Estado) -- Nueva York -- Novela juvenil.
Epifanía -- Novela juvenil.
Materiales bilingües en español -- Inglés.
New York (N.Y.) -- History -- 1898-1951 -- Juvenile fiction.
Spanish language materials.
May 28, 2011
The Storyteller's Candle/La Velita de los Cuentos is a biography written in English and Spanish of the life of Pura Belpre, after who the award is named. During the Depression, she was the first Puerto Rican hired by the NY public library system. Told third person from two young Puertican boy cousins. She went to their class and told stories in English and Spanish, and let them know that the library was for everyone. She hosted a Three King's Day fiesta at the library. This book reminds us that libriaries are public places for people of all cultures and they have a lot to offer besides books. Contains short bio of her life in the back of the book. Might be a little slow moving for my students.
February 8, 2013
The Storyteller's Candle is such a beautiful book about the power of the imagination. Pura Belpre was born sometime between 1899-1903, she used the stories from her grandmother to sort of plant the seeds for wonderful stories. The main characters in this story Hildamar and Santiago come from Puerto Rico to New York this is hard adjusting to any such new settings. They experience their first Christmas etc. The most important part of this story is when they meet Pura Belpre who worked at the library she very much enriches their lives though stories, puppets and speaking to them in a language they were accustomed to which was spanish. The pictures are so beautiful and the author did a great job getting this message across. The glossary also helps with learning new words and phrases.
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