Maria the Matador

PreS-Gr 1–Young Maria loves many things, but her favorite things in all the world are churros. She just cannot get enough! One day, Maria sees an advertisement for an amazing opportunity, a lifetime supply of churros to the matador who can stay in the ring with a bull the longest. Maria is not a matador. She is not able to outrun or intimidate a bull, nor big enough to overpower it. However, Maria is determined to find a way and looks to the arts for direction. In the end, Maria uses her skill and talent to outwit even the most experienced matadors in Spain. A tenacious and inspirational young protagonist, Maria demonstrates strength of character and courage in the face of adversity. Although she knows that she cannot realistically fight a bull, she remains focused on her goal with her eyes fixed firmly on the prize. The illustrations in this action picture book are unique, full of geometric shapes and angular features. The pencil strokes are visible and give the art the look of wood grain. Readers will root for Maria and feel inspired to think of creative ways to tackle everyday obstacles in their lives.