Vámonos : Mexican Folk Art Transport in English and Spanish

by Cynthia Weill

You're invited on a trip to a special place and there are many ways to get there. You could take a bike, a bus, or even a boat! The folk-art pieces were lovingly handmade by Oaxacan craftsmen Augustín Tinoco Cruz, Martín Melchor, Maximino Santiago, and Avelino Pérez—all of whom have longstanding relationships with Cynthia Weill. Vámonos will spark a lifelong love of languages and libraries in young readers. Grab your favorite person to read with and let's go!

Genres: Picture Books, Art, Childrens, Transport, Latinx

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 4, 2022

Reviews

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seventh book in Weill's First Concepts in Mexican Folk Art series, this one focuses on modes of transportation.

Anthropomorphic animals take ten different ways they use to get to the library.

Told in short phrases and presentented bilingually, Weill holds back everyone's destination until near the end of the book, although eagle eyed young readers will be able to guess where they are headed on the very first illustration (there is a pile of books on the back of the tricycle.

Full color photographs of colorfully detailed carvings by 4 Oaxacan artists accompany the text. There is so much detail to look at when reading this charming little book. This provides a peek into this culture's art.

A great browser or short story, this will hold a young child's attention better than you think! Perfect to suggest for National Library Week!

Recommended for toddlers-PreK.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I choose this book for the bilingual quality which the little ones I read it to seemed to enjoyed that aspect of it however the folk art did not appeal to them or was lost on them. But when they realized the story ended with a trip to the library; one of their favorite places, it then earned a 3 star rating.

[The Loco Librarian]

A fun book where students get to read in both English and Spanish! The pictures are very unique! The pictures are Mexican folkart in the form of handmade Mexican wooden sculptures. The art is very colorful and helps us learn a little about Mexican culture.

[Lupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I think Weill's books are beautiful, my students do not seem excited about them. I do, however, have a copy of this book for my school's collection. Our theme this year is "adventure," so this will work nicely.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the artistic detail on all of the forms of transportation! The surprise is that all are going to the library (hooray!) The end shows the wood-carving artists who made the figures.

[Heather McC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Featuring traditional Mexican folk art, explore various modes of transportation in two languages (linguas!)

[Library Lady Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful!