There are 14 poems in this sparkling, lighthearted bilingual (Spanish/English) collection--eight by compiler Lori Carlson and one each by six Latino writers. Some of the poems were written originally in Spanish and others in English. Their presentation in both languages is arranged so that the version of the language of origin appears first on the two-page spread devoted to each poem. Almost all of the poems have specific Latino cultural content while their subjects and renderings infuse them with broad child appeal that is evident from the titles alone: "I Like to Ride My Bike," "The Wind Bragging," "Peeling Potatoes with Papi," "The Smell of Night." Playful, flavorful language and imaginative ideas further enrich a collection that is unified by the whimsical, vibrant acrylic paintings of Emily Lisker. (Ages 4-8)

The 14 poems in this bilingual (English-Spanish) collection were written or selected by Carlson, the editor of "Cool Salsa: Bilingual Poems on Growing Up Latino in the United States". The poetry is plain and prosaic--simple strings of images describing family and the activities that fill a Latino child's day from sunup to sundown, or "sol a sol". Lisker's colorful, ebullient, and bold acrylic illustrations add much-needed punch and spark. This is picture-book poetry for larger collections or those with great demand for Latino literature.