Fonchito has a problem. There is a girl in his class that he really wants to kiss on the cheek. But the wise Nereida gives him a seemingly impossible condition: he must first find a way to pull down the moon and present it to her. What is a love-lorn boy to do? Certainly not give up! This is Mi primer Mario Vargas Llosa [My First Mario Vargas Llosa], a beautiful addition to a new series that introduces the writing of famous Spanish-language authors to children (other books in the series include Mi primer Javier Marías and Mi primer Arturo Pérez-Reverte). Set in Lima, Peru, the story demonstrates how determination can lead to simple yet clever solutions. While it may appeal more to girls than boys, Llosa has done an admiral job in writing his first children’s book, superbly and boldly illustrated by Spanish artist Chicote Juiz.
Recommended.
Fonchito y la luna. Mario Vargas Llosa. Illus. by Marta Chicote Juiz. Mexico, D.F.: Alfaguara, 2010. Unpaged. $15.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-6071105912. Grades 1-3. Spanish.