6/28/2023 0 Comments Too many tamales by gary sotoThe children's expressions are deftly rendered-especially when they are faced with a second batch of tamales. Martinez's sensuous oil paintings in deep earth tones conjure up a sense of family unity and the warmth of holidays. Soto, noted for such fiction as Baseball in April, confers some pleasing touches-a tear on Maria's finger resembles a diamond he allows the celebrants a Hispanic identity without making it the main focus of the text-but overall the plot is too sentimental (and owes a major debt to an I Love Lucy episode). Of course the ring turns out to be safely on Mom's finger. She and the cousins search every tamale-with their teeth. Only later, when the tamales are cooled and a circle of cousins gathered, does Maria remember the diamond. When her mother steps away, Maria seizes her opportunity and dons the ring, then carries on with her work. The book has an attention getting colored dust jacket and matching pictorial cover. 'Too Many Tamales' is a beautifully illustrated 30 page, 8 3/4 inch by 11 3/8 inch picture book. All she wants is a chance to wear her mother's diamond ring, which sparkles temptingly on the kitchen counter. Too Many Tamales Soto, Gary, Martinez, Ed on. Maria is making tamales, kneading the masa and feeling grown-up. Snow is falling, preparations for a family feast are underway and the air is thick with excitement.
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