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Lola's Fandango
Little Lola is tired of living in her big sister's shadow. But when she starts taking secret flamenco lessons from her Papi, will she find the courage to share her new skill with the world? Includes notes on Spanish vocabulary at the end.
32 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 22, 2020
I liked it.
April 27, 2014
TED 8650 Children's Literature
Text to Self: Lola learns something new, flamenco dancing, by practicing with her Papi. I also enjoy learning new artistic things from people. I liked reading about Lola's discovery.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does Lola learn to do?
2. Retell the story in your own words.
3. What would result if Lola didn't practice with her father?
4. What motive is there for Lola learning to dance flamenco?
5. Justify Papi's actions in the story.
6. Rewrite the story from Clementina's or Mami's point of view.
(2011, August 1). Booklist. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
Text to Self: Lola learns something new, flamenco dancing, by practicing with her Papi. I also enjoy learning new artistic things from people. I liked reading about Lola's discovery.
Discussion Questions:
1. What does Lola learn to do?
2. Retell the story in your own words.
3. What would result if Lola didn't practice with her father?
4. What motive is there for Lola learning to dance flamenco?
5. Justify Papi's actions in the story.
6. Rewrite the story from Clementina's or Mami's point of view.
(2011, August 1). Booklist. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
June 25, 2011
In my children’s room at the library the requests I receive at the reference desk from kids and their parents vary widely. On the subject of dance there’s a lot of variety. If kids want a picture book about dancing, they usually know what kind of dance they have in mind. Ballet. Tap. That sort of thing. However, since the rise of family friendly dance-related television shows like So You Think You Can Dance? kids are now discovering that there’s a whole world of dances out there that they might never have known about. It gives a gal hope, particularly when I get to see books like Lola’s Fandango. Here you have a great story with an abundance of Spanish words and great art that makes you sit up and take notice. If you’re looking for a book that’s a little bit different, this one’s got your number.
Things are rough for Lola. Her older sister Clementina has everything better. First, there's her awesome name. Then there's her ability to draw. On top of that is her great hair, her friends, her room, the list goes on and on. Lola would love to have at least one thing to make her special . . . and then she finds her mother's flamenco shoes. Instantly Lola is intrigued. Her mother doesn't dance anymore, of course, but her father used to and he's willing to teach her. In secret then Lola learns to dance, and when her mother's birthday arrives, Lola may have the perfect gift. But will she have the guts to perform in front of a crowd? The book comes with an audio CD of the text.
When you write a picture book it tends to be good to have more than one idea floating about your story. Which is to say, if you’re writing a tale like this one and you want to make it about a little girl who learns a new dance, I would highly recommend doing what author Anna Witte does here. Which is to say, add in the jealous younger sister element. Because Lola is envious of her older sister’s life and accomplishments (typical stuff like wanting to draw as well, have as nice a head of hair, have friends over, etc.) she has the impetus to want to distinguish herself in some way. If the book were merely a story about a girl who wants to learn to dance and chooses this kind, it wouldn’t really carry the same oomph, so to speak.
One element of the book that was interesting to me was Lola's desire for a polka dot dress to dance in. It’s important to me that Lola accept that she will dance for her mother, stage fright fears or no and then receive the polka dot dress as a present. If the dress came too soon then the point of the book might be taken as “you can do anything your heart desires . . . as long as you sport the right clothes”. Some kids will take away that message anyway, but at least it can be easily corrected by simply pointing out to them that Lola agrees to dance before finding out that there’s a present in the offering.
I was rather taken with Witte’s writing in this book too. As a German raised in Spain who has lived in the States for at least eighteen years, she has a good ear for the picture book format. The book reads slightly longer than the younger fare out there. Think Patricia Polacco rather than Kevin Henkes. I like her word choices as well. After staring longingly at her sister’s hair the text reads, “Lola looks at herself in the mirror. Her hair is coarse and wiry like a terrier.” Not just any dog, mind, but a terrier. When Lola actually learns the dance, the book then uses lots of fun terms that sound great when read aloud. From the “Toca toca TICA!” of Lola’s heels to the “Snap! Snap!” of her fingers and the “Swish!” of her skirt, the book is fun to listen to.
Spanish words are also dipped into the narrative naturally. There are a fair number of books with bilingual words and phrases out there that insert said words into their text with all the grace of an elephant with gout. Witte, in contrast, slips the words in where they fit best. You might not even notice that they were there until you reached the end of the book and found yourself confronted with a Glossary of terms. It is worth noting that the book is sold in both an English version and a Spanish version, for those of you with significant Spanish language collections.
Text and story are all well and good, but if a picture book doesn’t capture me with its pictures then I am not interested. Now the artist on this book was a Micha Archer, who has really only done one other picture book before (The Wise Fool). After reading this I can only hope that she’ll be doing a lot more picture books in the future. In Lola’s Fandango Archer employs a kind of Vera B. Williams A Chair for My Mother style. Using collage she whips up this amazing array of colors, fabrics, styles, and patterns. Amazingly, for all the variety, they never really clash. It makes for an eclectic and lively series of images.
The danger of this book? Parents, be prepared for your kids to beg for a flamenco lesson or two. This book definitely wipes the floor with those jazz/ballet/tap dance lessons your kids have been taking all these years. How can tutus compare to polka dotted swishy dresses? Tap dance may be fun at first, but the attitude is totally different from that of a flamenco dancer, no? And when else do you get to wear polka dots? Yes, you take your life in your own hands when you bring this book into your home. Then again, it’s a fun read, covers ground I’ve not seen covered by picture books before, has great art, great writing, and lots of Spanish words integrated seamlessly into the text. I’d call that a rousing success overall. If you’re looking for a bit of dance for your collection above and beyond the usual ken, Lola’s Fandango delivers.
For ages 4-8.
Things are rough for Lola. Her older sister Clementina has everything better. First, there's her awesome name. Then there's her ability to draw. On top of that is her great hair, her friends, her room, the list goes on and on. Lola would love to have at least one thing to make her special . . . and then she finds her mother's flamenco shoes. Instantly Lola is intrigued. Her mother doesn't dance anymore, of course, but her father used to and he's willing to teach her. In secret then Lola learns to dance, and when her mother's birthday arrives, Lola may have the perfect gift. But will she have the guts to perform in front of a crowd? The book comes with an audio CD of the text.
When you write a picture book it tends to be good to have more than one idea floating about your story. Which is to say, if you’re writing a tale like this one and you want to make it about a little girl who learns a new dance, I would highly recommend doing what author Anna Witte does here. Which is to say, add in the jealous younger sister element. Because Lola is envious of her older sister’s life and accomplishments (typical stuff like wanting to draw as well, have as nice a head of hair, have friends over, etc.) she has the impetus to want to distinguish herself in some way. If the book were merely a story about a girl who wants to learn to dance and chooses this kind, it wouldn’t really carry the same oomph, so to speak.
One element of the book that was interesting to me was Lola's desire for a polka dot dress to dance in. It’s important to me that Lola accept that she will dance for her mother, stage fright fears or no and then receive the polka dot dress as a present. If the dress came too soon then the point of the book might be taken as “you can do anything your heart desires . . . as long as you sport the right clothes”. Some kids will take away that message anyway, but at least it can be easily corrected by simply pointing out to them that Lola agrees to dance before finding out that there’s a present in the offering.
I was rather taken with Witte’s writing in this book too. As a German raised in Spain who has lived in the States for at least eighteen years, she has a good ear for the picture book format. The book reads slightly longer than the younger fare out there. Think Patricia Polacco rather than Kevin Henkes. I like her word choices as well. After staring longingly at her sister’s hair the text reads, “Lola looks at herself in the mirror. Her hair is coarse and wiry like a terrier.” Not just any dog, mind, but a terrier. When Lola actually learns the dance, the book then uses lots of fun terms that sound great when read aloud. From the “Toca toca TICA!” of Lola’s heels to the “Snap! Snap!” of her fingers and the “Swish!” of her skirt, the book is fun to listen to.
Spanish words are also dipped into the narrative naturally. There are a fair number of books with bilingual words and phrases out there that insert said words into their text with all the grace of an elephant with gout. Witte, in contrast, slips the words in where they fit best. You might not even notice that they were there until you reached the end of the book and found yourself confronted with a Glossary of terms. It is worth noting that the book is sold in both an English version and a Spanish version, for those of you with significant Spanish language collections.
Text and story are all well and good, but if a picture book doesn’t capture me with its pictures then I am not interested. Now the artist on this book was a Micha Archer, who has really only done one other picture book before (The Wise Fool). After reading this I can only hope that she’ll be doing a lot more picture books in the future. In Lola’s Fandango Archer employs a kind of Vera B. Williams A Chair for My Mother style. Using collage she whips up this amazing array of colors, fabrics, styles, and patterns. Amazingly, for all the variety, they never really clash. It makes for an eclectic and lively series of images.
The danger of this book? Parents, be prepared for your kids to beg for a flamenco lesson or two. This book definitely wipes the floor with those jazz/ballet/tap dance lessons your kids have been taking all these years. How can tutus compare to polka dotted swishy dresses? Tap dance may be fun at first, but the attitude is totally different from that of a flamenco dancer, no? And when else do you get to wear polka dots? Yes, you take your life in your own hands when you bring this book into your home. Then again, it’s a fun read, covers ground I’ve not seen covered by picture books before, has great art, great writing, and lots of Spanish words integrated seamlessly into the text. I’d call that a rousing success overall. If you’re looking for a bit of dance for your collection above and beyond the usual ken, Lola’s Fandango delivers.
For ages 4-8.
September 24, 2021
Lovely book, held 8 year old boy interest, I enjoyed it too!
December 20, 2023
comes w/audio cd of the author reading the book, no extra features - i was hoping for additional music. nonetheless v. enjoyable.
July 18, 2016
Lola's Fandango by Anna Witte and illustrated by Micha Archer captures both a child's struggle with sibling rivalry and a yearning to shine as well as a celebration of one's culture. Lola idolizes her sister Clementina and is also jealous of her skills, talents and position in the family. She wonders how she will ever be able to compete.
In a moment of mischief, Lola sneaks into her mother's closet and discovers an old pair of Flamenco dancing shoes. The shoes prompt her curiosity. She learns that her mother had been a Flamenco dancer. Lola persuades her Papi to teach her how to dance.
She practices diligently and proudly surprises her Mami with her performance. Together they celebrate in Flamenco style. Bold illustrations exude energy and color and perfectly capture the zest of the Flamenco style. The rhythm of the language makes one want to snap fingers and tap feet.
One criticism: Lola throws a bit of a tantrum over her lack of a special dress to wear for her dance. Papi surprises her with the ruffled dress of her dreams. I wish the author had omitted Lola's fit of pique and simply included Papi's surprise as an acknowledgment of Lola's efforts. Still, Lola's Fandango is a charming read with a Latin flair.
Adoption-attuned Lens: This book celebrates a cultural tradition that is vibrant, connects through the generations and which brings joy to all. It presents a great opportunity to talk about whatever traditions are in an adopted child's history as well as in the adoptive families. Perhaps it might start a family activity inspired by an interest in recapturing and honoring one's cultural traditions.
—Gayle H. Swift, “ABC, Adoption & Me, A Multicultural Picture Book”
In a moment of mischief, Lola sneaks into her mother's closet and discovers an old pair of Flamenco dancing shoes. The shoes prompt her curiosity. She learns that her mother had been a Flamenco dancer. Lola persuades her Papi to teach her how to dance.
She practices diligently and proudly surprises her Mami with her performance. Together they celebrate in Flamenco style. Bold illustrations exude energy and color and perfectly capture the zest of the Flamenco style. The rhythm of the language makes one want to snap fingers and tap feet.
One criticism: Lola throws a bit of a tantrum over her lack of a special dress to wear for her dance. Papi surprises her with the ruffled dress of her dreams. I wish the author had omitted Lola's fit of pique and simply included Papi's surprise as an acknowledgment of Lola's efforts. Still, Lola's Fandango is a charming read with a Latin flair.
Adoption-attuned Lens: This book celebrates a cultural tradition that is vibrant, connects through the generations and which brings joy to all. It presents a great opportunity to talk about whatever traditions are in an adopted child's history as well as in the adoptive families. Perhaps it might start a family activity inspired by an interest in recapturing and honoring one's cultural traditions.
—Gayle H. Swift, “ABC, Adoption & Me, A Multicultural Picture Book”
September 12, 2017
I came across Lola’s Fandango when gathering books for a weekly dance activity I was going to be leading for a small group of elementary-aged kids here in the South Bronx. I gave it a test run with a friend’s 3-year-old daughter and we were both promptly charmed by the story’s colorful world and plucky protagonist.
Lola is a little sister (as was my reading partner) and at the beginning of the story she lives in the shadow of her older sister, the long-haired and infinitely more-gifted (at least from Lola’s point of view) Clementina. Retreating to her parents’ closet in frustration, Lola discovers a pair of red polka-dot dancing shoes. She learns that her mother was once a flamenco (not flamingo) dancer. Showing a new spark of resolve and confidence, Lola convinces her father to teach her flamenco, and through their secret lessons, Lola comes into her own.
If you'd like to hear more about my experience of this book, I've written a more in-depth review on my blog:
http://bookbakebronx.com/index.php/20...
Lola is a little sister (as was my reading partner) and at the beginning of the story she lives in the shadow of her older sister, the long-haired and infinitely more-gifted (at least from Lola’s point of view) Clementina. Retreating to her parents’ closet in frustration, Lola discovers a pair of red polka-dot dancing shoes. She learns that her mother was once a flamenco (not flamingo) dancer. Showing a new spark of resolve and confidence, Lola convinces her father to teach her flamenco, and through their secret lessons, Lola comes into her own.
If you'd like to hear more about my experience of this book, I've written a more in-depth review on my blog:
http://bookbakebronx.com/index.php/20...
October 6, 2012
Like many younger sisters, Lola is jealous of her older sister Clementina. Lola yearns to have something special that she can do -- something that makes her stand out. When she learns that her mother used to dance the flamenco with special polka-dot high heels, she pleads with her Papi to teach her. Papi tells her that it takes duende - spirit or attitude - to learn the flamenco. “‘But I have that!’ Lola shouts and throws her arms in the air and makes a serious face.” Children will relate to Lola’s search for her own special talent and for her chance to shine for her family. Witte conveys the joy and rhythm of the flamenco, from the “Toca toca TICA!” of Lola’s heels to the “Snap! Snap!” of her fingers beating out the rhythm. And Archer’s collage-style artwork is full of bright colors, fabrics and patterns that match the liveliness of the text perfectly. I love sharing this celebration of Spanish dance!
December 19, 2015
Lola's Fandango provides glimpses into Spanish culture, which is why it is on my multicultural shelf. This story is about a young girl who aspires to be like her older sister, but ends up realizing she has a talent of her own: the ability to dance the fandango as taught by her father.
The writing traits evident in this story include idea, word choice, and sentence fluency. There is a rhythm to the way the book is written, and the author includes words that represent sounds and movements of the dance. There is also the idea of realizing that everyone has unique talents and skills. This story could be used in a variety of ways. First, it could be used in a lesson on how to use interesting words while writing, and how to give rhythm to sentence structure. This could also be included in a text set about Spain or about dance. Finally, this book could coincide with a writing task where students need to write about a special talent they have and are proud of.
Book Level: 2.4
The writing traits evident in this story include idea, word choice, and sentence fluency. There is a rhythm to the way the book is written, and the author includes words that represent sounds and movements of the dance. There is also the idea of realizing that everyone has unique talents and skills. This story could be used in a variety of ways. First, it could be used in a lesson on how to use interesting words while writing, and how to give rhythm to sentence structure. This could also be included in a text set about Spain or about dance. Finally, this book could coincide with a writing task where students need to write about a special talent they have and are proud of.
Book Level: 2.4
October 24, 2013
This book i found very touching, a little girl living in the shadow of a beautiful sister who seems to have it all. including all the positive attention. But with the help of dad she find s not only something she is interested in , But something her mother use to do that she never knew about. And something her and her mother and father can share just between them. And when she get the dress and shoes it was her time to shine and she did.And the bond between her and her mother blossomed. A GOOD READ, not at all what i expected
May 4, 2012
A nicely done picture book, with colorful collage illustrations and a spunky little sister. Lola wants to learn to Flamenco dance like her mom, and dad secretly takes her to the roof of their apartment building to learn. With plenty of chances for listener interaction, it made a great read aloud for kindergarten today. With a few Spanish words thrown in, it had a fun rythme. The illustrator, Micha Archer visits our school this weekend for a special program. Let's dance!
April 13, 2013
A story book for slightly older children that tells how Lola begins to learn the flamenco from her father after being inspired by finding her mother’s old flamenco shoes in the closet. She feels as though she’s not special compared to her older sister and learning dance from her father makes her feel special. She works very hard and performs at her mother’s surprise party. The art style is bright and colorful and does a good job showing the movement of the story.
April 13, 2016
When Lola learns that her mother used to dance Flamenco with special polka-dot high heels, she pleads with her Dad to teach her. Children will enjoy how Papi secretly taught her with claps and repeats of rhythms the dance. He also bought her a beautiful dress to show her talent to the family. The author gives a good introduction and remarks the Spanish tradition of Flamenco and Fandango.
November 23, 2011
Well who wouldn't want to take flameco lessons after reading this? I really enjoyed the story and the illustrations. I love The Wise Fool with the same illustrator, so it was nice to see similar work for a very different story. Bonus! - a CD with music and the story narrated!
January 23, 2012
While I can't evaluate the story much, as I don't understand enough Spanish to do it justice, I did enjoy listening to the cd. The production included multiple actors voicing the different parts, including music, and the clapping, snapping, and foot tapping that embodies flamenco.
March 28, 2012
Loved this book!!! Great story, and bright colorful illustrations. Wish I had been able to find a copy sooner, but they just got it in at our library. Looking forward to reading it at story time tonight.
December 7, 2012
I read the Spanish version. The words are perfect for a children's book. The collage based illustrations are lovely. This book comes with a cd, so kids could read it on their own! bonus. This could teach children that hard work produces results.
September 16, 2014
I think this one will be a hard sell for our customers. I see it as a "library book" versus one to have at home to be read over and over again which is a shame because it is a really fun read aloud albeit slightly long.
April 23, 2015
This is a sweet story and makes a fun read aloud if you allow children to join in with claps and repeats of rhythms. For that reason alone, children will enjoy it but it's also a wonderful intro to this Spanish tradition of flamenco with a good author note abount that (and fandago) at the end.
August 23, 2012
wonderful story, great illustrations! Lola finds Mamis dance shoes and wants to learn the flamenco...patience and hard work pay off!
January 29, 2014
Lola's voice on CD was whiny and annoying. The rest of the characters on audio and the accompanying music was well done. The story was good, but could have used a few more engaging illustrations.
February 18, 2015
We liked this, particularly the illustrations and the fabric depicted. It was a bit long but held attention. We did not listen to the accompanying CD.
March 25, 2017
This book is longer, and would require a better reader. Maybe 2nd or 3rd grade. But it is engaging. It also has the diversity of being a traditional Spanish dance that many children might not be familiar with.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews