LA BODA

The wedding rituals of Alfonso and Luisa, a young Mexican couple, are observed through the wondering eyes of a young Oaxacan village girl. Van Laan (Sleep, Sleep, Sleep, 1995, etc.) creates a singsong conversation between the girl and her grandmother from which readers learn Spanish words and their translations: ``It is time for los pavos.'' ``The what, Abuela?'' ``The turkeys, Maria. The dance of the turkeys is such fun to see!'' The girl and her grandmother watch and comment on each rite: the sweeping of the streets, the exchanging of vows, the playing of music, and the shooting off of fireworks. There is real warmth in the scenes of the Zapotecan villagers as they gather at the la iglesia (the church) in the square for the wedding; in every picture, newcomer Arroyo's illustrations reflect the artistic aspects of the culture in the colorful pottery, baskets, mats, and vibrantly colored sculpted animals that Oaxacans sell. A delightful, lyrical look at a special occasion. (Picture book. 4-8)