Los zapaticos de rosa

K-Gr 2–Pilar is an affluent white Cuban girl, who accompanies her mother to the nearby beach wearing her fancy dress, hat, umbrella, and pink shoes. Her mother constantly reminds her not to damage or wet the zapaticos de rosa, but Pilar runs carelessly through the sand and seashore. During the beach stroll, a poor woman with a sick daughter sees Pilar’s pink shoes and thinks about her own daughter and lack of resources. Pilar and her mother give the woman the pink shoes, along with a dress, blanket, and ring, showcasing the need of redistributing their wealth. Originally published in 1889 in José Martí’s children’s journal La Edad de Oro, “Los zapaticos de rosa” is one of his well-known poems that has been adapted into picture book format by several illustrators. The warmth and pastel illustrations featured in this edition assist in situating the narrative in late 19th-century Cuba and provide historical context on class and race disparities in the Caribbean. Although the text may seem dated for some readers, a glossary is appended, as well as biographical notes about Cuban poet and leader Martí.