Pancho's Pinata

Czernecki, Stefan; Rhodes, Timothy

ISBN 10: 1562822780 ISBN 13: 9781562822781

Publisher: Hyperion, 1992

Synopsis

The gift of happiness, given to Pancho as a boy when he rescues a fallen star in the Christmas procession, allows him, years later, to convert an old clay pot into a magical pin+a1ata to cheer the whole Mexican village.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

This somewhat forced picture book about the world's first pinata was inspired by a Diego Rivera mural. Years ago, at Christmastime in the village of San Miguel, young Pancho had rescued a talking falling star lodged atop the cactus in the town square. This deed has brought Pancho happiness for many years and one Christmas he decides to share his joy--and some gifts--with the town's children. Thus, the pinata, a decorated clay pot filled with toys and sweets, was born. The staid quality of Czernecki and Rhodes's ( The Sleeping Bread ) lengthy text gives the plot an improbable rather than a wondrous or magical tone. The anthropomorphic star mars the authentic flavor of a few of Czernecki's full-bodied gouache paintings. His folk-tooled borders--and palette of warm browns, pale pinks and rich reds--call to mind Mexican pottery designs. (Cactuses, hot chilis and bright panchos add yet more spice.) Young readers may be interested in the genesis of the popular object, but as a piece of folklore, this story falls flat. Ages 5-9.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hyperion
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 1562822780
• ISBN 13: 9781562822781
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Czernecki Stefan