The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred - Paperback

by Samantha R. Vamos (Author), Rafael López (Illustrator)

WINNER: Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor Book 2012

"A wonderful read-aloud, filled with merriment and conviviality" -- Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review

"The artistry of this book makes it a must buy for all libraries" -- School Library Journal, STARRED review

This is the story of how the farm maiden and all the farm animals worked together to make the rice pudding that they serve at the fiesta. With the familiarity of "The House That Jack Built," this story bubbles and builds just like the ingredients of the arroz con leche that everyone enjoys. Cleverly incorporating Spanish words, adding a new one in place of the English word from the previous page, this book makes learning the language easy and fun.

Rafael Lopez covers each page with vibrant, exuberant color, celebrating tradition and community.

Back matter includes a glossary of Spanish words and a recipe for arroz con leche--perfect for everyone to make together and enjoy at story time.

- Scholastic Reading Club Selection
- Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2012 (NCSS)
- Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts 2012 (NCTE)
- NYPL's list of "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing" in 2011

Author Biography

Samantha R. Vamos is the author of Alphabet Boats, Alphabet Trains, Alphabet Trucks (illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke), The Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred (illustrated by Rafael López) - 2012 Pura Belpré Illustration Honor - its companion book, The Piñata That The Farm Maiden Hung (illustrated by Sebastià Serra), and Before You Were Here, Mi Amor (2009, illustrated by Santiago Cohen). Samantha previously worked as an attorney, practicing in Washington, D.C. and Chicago, IL. Samantha was born in the Midwest, grew up on the east coast, and lived in the Pacific Northwest before moving to the Bay Area with her husband, son, and their rescue puppy, Bowie. Visit Samantha online at www.samanthavamos.com.

For many years Ryan O'Rourke's illustrations have appeared in galleries, newspapers, and magazines, including a weekly illustration for the Boston Globe Sunday Magazine. One Big Rain marks Ryan's foray into children's picture books. He makes his home in Connecticut.