Even at the advanced age of seven, Magda Madrigal can remember back to when she was a little girl and would watch her abuela making tortillas. Having studied closely the techniques of a master, she now feels confident of her own ability to turn out beautiful, delicious, and round tortillas. But somehow the rolling pin and the kitchen comal still hold a few surprises for the perplexed Magda—and for her extended family.
Great art isn’t always pretty, but in the case of budding “tortilla artist” Magda Madrigal, at least it’s tasty! Magda’s Tortillas / Las tortillas de Magda offers an entertaining glimpse into Hispanic culture featuring universally appealing themes of practice, patience and youthful pursuits of perfection.
In this vividly illustrated bilingual picture book for children ages 3-7, Magda’s Tortillas / Las tortillas de Magda, readers young and old will embark upon a culinary adventure in the fine art of making tortillas.
Named to Laura Bush’s Recommended Reading List
“The warmth and effection between Magda and her grandmother will resonate with children who have similar relationship.”—Booklist
“The book has a celebratory tone blended with gentle themes of individuality and acceptance.”—School Library Journal
BECKY CHAVARRÍA-CHÁIREZ, a publicist and freelance journalist, is the head of Catchphrases Public & Media Relations in Dallas. Already frantic as the mother of two young children, she is also busy writing down the further adventures of Magda Madrigal.
ANNE VEGA works as an artist and illustrator in Nashville, Tennessee, where lives with her husband Robert (also an artist) and two children. She studied at the Columbus School of Art and Design in Ohio and at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. Her work has graced numerous book covers, and Magda’s Tortillas is her first book for children.
JULIA MERCEDES CASTILLA writes for children and adults. Her novel, Aventuras de un Niño de la Calle, published by Editorial Norma in Spanish, has sold over 125.000 copies and has become required reading in some schools in Latin America. The book was published as Emilio in Spanish. At the present time she is at work, finishing an adult book and writing a book for middle grade children.
ATOS Interest Level: Lower Grades
Category: Picture Book
ATOS English: 3.8
ATOS Spanish: 3.8
LEXILE: AD640L
LEXILE Spanish:AD650L
Accelerated Reader Quiz #: 41989
