Dear Primo

Tonatiuh, D. (2011). Dear Primo. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Charlie and his cousin Carlitos are cousins that live in separate countries. Charlie lives in the United States while Carlitos lives in Mexico. Through their letters the boys show how their lives are different but still very similar. One lives on a farm surrounded by animals. The other lives in a big city surrounded by skyscrapers. They still both go to school and play games with their friends. Both boys are so excited to read about each other's lives and eager to share their own that they resolve to have each other visit their city.

This book was written to shine a light on how lives in two separate countries are still basically the same. Each country has its unique way to celebrate. Each boy has toys, plays games, goes to school, and is expected to help their family. They just do it differently. ESL classes could use this to lead a discussion on cultural differences. I think if there was a student from Mexico they would enjoy reading a book that includes things they may have done or had in their former country.

The book is also bilingual. Students learning English would benefit from reading it because the author uses his story to explain what different English words and mean.  He also explains what is happening during some American traditions.  The author does the same thing for the Spanish words and cultural. So English students can learn Spanish as well. In fact each picture illustrating life in Mexico is labeled in Spanish. In essence those pages become a picture dictionary. 

The illustrations were recognized by the Pura Belpré committee. They are hand drawn then put together like a collage. They way Mr. Tonatiuh placed the characters' heads, and large hands and feet on the page made it seem like they were moving on the page. At least in my head, I pictured movement. The colors used help tell the story. Browns and oranges for the ones showing life in Mexico. Granite and grays for scenes in the big city.