Anonymous, illustrated by David Diaz,
De Colores: Bright with Colors
Marshall Cavendish, 2008.

Ages 4-8

De Colores is a bilingual picture book rendition of a famous Spanish folk song of the same name which celebrates the natural world and its many colors.

Illustrated by Caldecott winner David Diaz (César: ¡Sí, se puede!/ Yes, We Can!), De Colores pins the rhythms and rhymes of the song down with full-page scenes of flying people with big hearts, peacefully and joyfully singing together with animals. Diaz's resplendent, rainbow-inspired color palette is gorgeous in style and embues the illustrations with the movement and warmth that the song inspires.

Taking a well-known version from the dozens that exist, the book provides the lyrics alongside the musical score at the end, as well as a brief history: the song is said to have been composed by a group of pilgrims on the mountain roads of Spain in the sixteenth century. It was also the unofficial anthem of the United Farm Workers of America, a union founded by César Chávez in 1962.

This folk song-turned picture book offering is a good resource for both schools and families trying to give children a foundation in Spanish, and provides an always welcome opportunity for classroom reading aloud and singing along with lively music. The book does not include a CD, but the well-known song has been recorded by many artists, including Mexican author, songwriter and performer, José-Luiz Orozco.

This title, as specific as it may seem at first glance, has the potential to help children, Latino or not, to deepen their appreciation and knowledge of Spanish while learning something about traditional folklore within Hispanic culture. It should prove a good addition to the language and cultural enrichment bookshelves of schools, libraries and bilingual homes.

Aline Pereira
September 2008