Marco's Cinco de Mayo

PreS-K—A Mexican American boy celebrates Cinco de Mayo with his family. The colorful cartoon-inspired graphics show round-faced Marco dressed in costume to dance in a street celebration filled with easily identifiable images (a Ferris wheel, balloons, food stands, floats, and flags). The first pages introduce the holiday with child-friendly art and a map of North America. In an awkward, odd transition, Marco's cousin Diego tells him the story behind the holiday to help his performance if he "felt afraid." His brief summary of the Mexican military success against France 150 years earlier thankfully leaves Marco proudly brave with "feet ready to dance." The book ends with images of the celebration—a taco-eating contest and fireworks with Marco's happy family. Instructions for making maracas are appended. Websites are included (Sesame Street's classic Cinco de Mayo video is rather dated). An age-appropriate introduction to the holiday for the youngest of readers.—Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX