This book tells the story of an actual “biblioburro” in Colombia. Like a bookmobile – only powered by two donkeys – the biblioburro was the inspiration of Colombian teacher Luis Soriano. Some ten years ago, he started spending his weekends bringing his own book collection by donkey to the poor children in the remote villages of Magdalena Province. With detailed, colorful pictures, this book tells the story of Ana, a little girl who loves books, and can’t wait for the biblioburro to come. In between, she makes up her own stories. (In real life, Soriano encourages the children who gather at his stopovers to tell stories and draw pictures describing their lives.) Lovely and appropriately folk-style illustrations in acrylics by John Parra accompany the text. A glossary of Spanish terms is included.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book support Luis Soriano’s Biblioburro program.
Luis Soriano preparing one of his donkeys for the weekend
Rating: 4/5
Published by Tricycle Press, 2011
Note: There is more information about Soriano and his amazing program here.
Product Details
Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1582463530
ISBN-13: 978-1582463537
For more multicultural picture books, check out all the resources at The Birthday Party Pledge, a new website dedicated to promoting gifts of multicultural books to the children in our lives.
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For more reviews of books for children and teens, go to Booking Mama’s feature, Kid Konnection, posted on Saturdays. If you’d like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children’s books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, leave a comment as well as a link on her site.
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I’ve seen videos about the biblioburro before. I just love innovative people like Soriano – just think of all they joy he is bringing to those children!
I’ve heard about the biblioburro but didn’t know there was book. What a fantastic story to bring to kids.
Oh! I’ve been wanting to read this for awhile now! I’m glad to hear it’s a good read.
What a wonderful thing for Soriano to do, bringing the delight and discovery of books to deprived children. I couldn’t imagine growing up without books. I’m going to check out Soriano’s program.
OMG! I want a Biblioburro of my own! That is possibly the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.
Wasn’t he up for CNN Hero last year or the year before? I swear I remember watching his story. Truly inspiring.
That looks like such a cool service (and a fun book too)!
How can you not love this story???!! amazing and beautiful!
I loved this book. And to think it’s based on a true story!