Janice Levy, illustrated by Loretta Lopez
Celebrate! It’s Cinco de Mayo! / Celebremos! Es El Cinco de Mayo!
Albert Whitman & Company, 2007

Ages 4-8

This lively, bilingual book with bright and festive oil pastel illustrations tells the true story of Cinco de Mayo and explains the customs and symbolism surrounding it in a way that children and adults will both appreciate.  Cinco de Mayo, the Fifth of May, is not, as many believe, Mexican Independence Day.  This patriotic holiday actually commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, in which the Mexican army, fighting alongside Zacapoaxtla and Xochiapulco Indians, defeated the larger and better-equipped French Army.  Though this battle was a surprise victory, Mexico lost the war, remaining under French occupation until 1866.  A detailed historical note at the end of the book explains all this, adding that historians believe Cinco de Mayo was celebrated even during the years of French occupation, characterizing the can-do spirit of Mexican culture embodied in the popular phrase ‘Si, se puede!’, or ‘Yes, We can!’

Author Janice Levy, a former ESL teacher and the author of seven other picture books including The Spirit of Tio Fernando: A Day of the Dead Story (also in a bilingual format), understands the importance of making second languages easily accessible and has given young readers a manageable format.  With just a few sentences on each page and the enticing illustrations by Loretta Lopez (the Say Hola to Spanish series), both children and adults can easily grasp and absorb the translations.  The Spirit of Tio Fernando has sold more than 50,000 copies and has been used by teachers and librarians across the country for ESL and cultural education.  Celebrate! It’s Cinco de Mayo is likely to follow in its footsteps.

The book also describes the festivities and customs of Cinco de Mayo for the uninitiated, including parades, mariachi music, special foods, piñatas, dancing and more.  Games and activities complete the book, helping to sharpen children’s comprehension skills and expand their experience through creativity and imagination.  Levy has given us another fun, informative and educational book that is reason in itself for celebration.

Abigail Sawyer
May 2007