Let's Go Eat (World of ¡Vamos!)

Now that he has a bicycle with a sidecar in addition to his wagon, Little Lobo, the young wolf who starred in Raúl the Third's first bilingual ¡Vamos! story, is really in business: "Now we can make our deliveries faster," he tells his dog, Bernabé. When famous luchador El Toro asks Little Lobo to deliver food for all the luchadores before a big match, the list proves long--"¡Tortas de milanesa!" "¡Churros!" "¡Elotes!" The square around el Coliseo is frantically busy with food trucks, some--like Taco Tuesday Everyday--in the shape of the foods they proffer, and Little Lobo knows them all. As in the first volume, Spanish words define background objects throughout, and the artwork's dynamic vibe sends energy through spreads of the marketplace and its community. Suppliers and cooks cooperate ("Quique's Quesadillas and Bronco's Burritos buy their tortillas from Abuela"), and every cook knows their customers' preferences: one "always gives Bernabé a sample of her masa." The vital images, the dazzling colors and light (shout-out to colorist Elaine Bay), and the devotion to Mexican food and eating make this story utterly distinctive--and delicious. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 4-7. (Mar.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-5--Delivery wolf extraordinaire Little Lobo must feed his hungriest clients yet. First seen in ¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market, Little Lobo and his dog, Bernabé, return with a new bike for speedy deliveries. The new wheels help the duo hit up a variety of food trucks to satisfy the diverse desires of a troupe of hungry luchadores with aliases like La Oink Oink and the ingeniously named Armor Dillo. Much like Market, the narrative is secondary to the richly detailed world Little Lobo explores. Anthropomorphic roosters, cats, bunnies, snakes, and even a pig with a tattoo that says jamon all have a friendly smile and words of encouragement for Little Lobo. A cucaracha with a yellow shirt, white cowboy hat, and bolo tie accompanies Little Lobo throughout the story: this book's version of Richard Scarry's Goldbug. Throughout this delicious odyssey, readers are treated to a smorgasbord of Mexican food terms, and the intricate illustrations are peppered with Spanish labels for the items pictured, from lapiz (pencil) to molcajete (mortar and pestle for making salsa). Be prepared to be lost in this book para siempre. VERDICT Combining two iconic elements of Mexican culture, food trucks and lucha libre, this tale will make readers of all ages hungry for tacos, burritos, and elote (Mexican street corn)--and for more stories set in the inviting, busy town created by Raúl the Third.--Chance Lee Joyner, Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library, NH

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ "The busy pages filled with interesting characters and intriguing bilingual signage make readers wish they could jump into the pages and experience the bustling town.... After enjoying the story, readers will keep going back to savor all the minuscule details. A delectable bilingual experience."—Kirkus, STARRED review

★ "The vital images, the dazzling colors and light (shout-out to colorist Elaine Bay), and the devotion to Mexican food and eating make this story utterly distinctive—and delicious."—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

★ "Be prepared to be lost in this book para siempre. Combining two iconic elements of Mexican culture, food trucks and lucha libre, this tale will make readers of all ages hungry for tacos, burritos, and elote (Mexican street corn)—and for more stories set in the inviting, busy town created by Raúl the Third." —School Library Journal, STARRED review

★ "[A]ll the characters in this diverting adventure are cartoony animals or imaginary creatures, and a straightforward narration is complemented by plenty of comic vignettes.... The busy illustrations are full of context clues and detailed elements. The characters are animated, and the scenes are vibrant with activity and movement—from a very stretchy cheese to a stack of flying tortillas." —The Horn Book Magazine, STARRED review

"Little Lobo is back for another fun-filled Spanish-learning adventure.... This is a great way to learn about many different sorts of Mexican foods, as well as some Spanish along the way."—Booklist