SPICY HOT COLORS/COLORES PICANTES

Despite its title, Shahan’s latest is not really bilingual, but rather a poetic characterization of nine colors, introducing their Spanish names and employing similes rooted in Latin American culture. Using both exact and slant rhyme, Shahan’s phrases encourage the reader/listener’s participation by snapping, whacking, or tapping along, or even by acting out the similes—“Purple as piñatas / Smack! Whack! / Spin on the ground,” for example, or “Black as castanets / clickety-clickety / clack-clack.” The inclusion of terms reflecting originally African-American musical forms—jazz, blues, hip-hop—reflects the racially diverse nature of “Hispanic” identity as well. Barragán’s illustrations echo the exuberance of the verse and are in some ways reminiscent of the poured-paper stencils of Denise Fleming, though Barragán’s work features sharper edges and a great deal of detail. Back matter includes a glossary of Spanish terms used in the verse and a pronunciation guide. Successful both as an introduction to Latin American culture for children unfamiliar with it and as a celebration for those who call it their own. (Picture book. 3-6)