Manana Iguana: 08/27/11

Mañana Iguana by Ann Whitford Paul was one of Harriet's recent picks at the library. On Monday (Lunes) Iguana decides to host a fiesta on Sunday (Domingo). Although her three friends are excited about the party, they don't seem very excited about helping plan or set it up.

It is a Spanish and English retelling of The Little Red Hen but recast with an Iguana, a Rabbit (Conejo), a Turtle (Tortuga) and a Snake (Culebra). Rabbit's excuse is always that he is "too fast." Turtle meanwhile is "too slow." Snake will help as soon as he has hands. Fortunately for Iguana, her friends do eventually learn their lesson (though not soon enough to attend the party).

This version though would be good in an ELL (English Language Learners) class or a dual immersion English / Spanish class. It does teach some practical vocabulary such as the days of the week, the various animal names and a couple other words here and there. It could also be easily translated either by the teacher or by the students (depending on their skills) completely into Spanish. The story also would be good for re-enactment as a student play.

Three stars.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Saturday, August, 27, 2011 at 23:11:04

Melissa (Books and things)

This looks so cute. Great way for kids to learn some Espa�ol as well!

Comment #2: Sunday, September 4, 2011 at 22:25:31

Pussreboots

It has a few vocabulary words. It would work fine as part of a lesson but probably not by itself.