SUNFLOWERS/GIRASOLES

Marisol enjoys working the family garden with her grandfather, who teaches her about many different vegetables and plants, like the sunflower that makes him happy. Marisol takes some of the sunflower seeds Grandpa saves to eat with salt and plants several along the neighborhood instead. Sunny and rainy days pass and Marisol almost forgets her planted gifts until one day her neighbors point out all the tall green stems holding huge yellow flowers with “big black eyes and long yellow eyelashes.” Gambino’s deeply colored acrylic garden scenes in lush greens and dark browns add a realistic perspective to a little girl’s spring and summer, while a series of vignettes show the slow progression from seeds to blooming sunflower to dried-out plant back to seeds, and separate the simple English and Spanish parallel texts. Marisol’s generosity reflects a supportive community’s shared experiences of friendship and appreciation, while her relationship with her grandfather evinces warmth, respect and love. A pleasing and effective multicultural offering. (Picture book. 5-7)