The Perfect Pinata: La Pinata Perfecta

by Kelli Kyle Dominguez

Marisa's birthday was drawing near, and today her mother took her to buy a piñata. At the store, Marisa saw a beautiful butterfly piñata and knew she had to have it. When it was time for the party, Marisa didn't know if she could hit it.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2002

Reviews

[Daisy Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perfect Piñata- Kelli Kyle Dominguez
This book is perfect in where children who grew up in a Hispanic community can relate with celebrating birthdays. I had piñatas at my birthday parties so I can relate to this book. This book’s theme had values that allowed the students to connect in real life scenarios. The main character who seems about the age of 4-5, same age as my class, wants to protect the piñata because she became friends with it. She takes care of it, by playing a role as a doctor. Another connection a student can make. It shows non-fiction themes but by adding a child feel. The illustrations are life like, non-cartoonish, which makes it realistic. Another illustrates that spots on what a typical Hispanic birthday party would be like is the background. When the party is being illustration you see foods that are recognizable. For example, tamles, rice, and beans. Perfect representation of a Hispanic birthday party. And I grew up here, which made me connect with the book. The theme illustrates a mother who will make her daughter happy, another connection a student can make. Again, this book connects on levels that remind me of my childhood, where students who are Hispanic and grew up here in America will relate with.

[Rosa Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. Showcases some Hispanic (mostly Mexican) culture.

[Kim Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book, Marisa is looking for the perfect piñatas with her mom for her sixth birthday. She was very excited to have an amazing birthday party, but most of all, about her new, beautiful, butterfly shaped piñatas. Throughout the story it explains how much she loves her piñata, and that she does everything with it like having a tea party, playing doctor, and taking it to her grandparent's house. At the end of the story, she decides she doesn't want to destroy it at the end of her party, so instead, her parents put all of the candy into a trash bag so that she can keep her butterfly beautiful. As a teacher I can not only teach my students about the tradition of using a piñata at celebrations, but also to learn how to appreciate what you have, and treat it with respect. The author, Kelli Kyle Dominguez, is Latina, and portrays the use of piñatas beautifully. The illustrations are also great, and will be a great way for the students to be more engaged in the story. This goes along with my topic because it explains a very important aspect in Latin traditions.

[Julie]

Marisa goes shopping for the perfect pinata for her birthday party.She picks out a beautiful butterfly. She becomes close with the pinata and when it comes time to break it she can't bring herself to do it.
This book would be great for teaching a second language to kids as it has the text in both english and spanish. It also shows latino culture and celebration.

[Janine Darragh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed this bilingual picture book about Marisa's birthday and her butterfly pinata.