My Little Car: Mi Carrito

This book first caught my eye at the local library. I have a MFA in creative writing and have been a big fan of Gary Soto for some time after having read some of his short stories during my studies. In addition, my three year old's sitter is bilingual and is teaching my daughter Spanish. I'm always looking for books that introduce Spanish words. We checked out the book, then checked it out again, then checked it out again, until I finally bought a copy for my daughter. At first, I was a bit concered about the whole "lowrider" culture, afraid, I guess of what I don't know. Prejudiced by the stereotypes of lowriders being part of gang culture and the like, I almost passed up this really great book. The story is multilayered and beautiful, spanning age differences as protrayed by Pumpkin, the baby sister to Theresa who is too old to hang with Pumpkin, yet too young to be responsible to the grandfather (Abulito Benito) who is still young enough to run down the street from and dog and young enough to look good when he is fixed up. When you consider the car as a metaphor for the grandfather, the book takes on an even greater meaning. This is a fantastic book that helps introduce a different culture to your child while teaching her responsibility. The illustrations are great, the writing is fantastic, and the morals are timeless. Don't let this book get by you because of your prejudices toward or against lowriding culture.

This little book is full of wonderful illustrations and a story that includes a gentle lesson in taking care of the things and people most valuable to us. The most valuable things in life involve a little work and a lot of care. The book features a lowrider pedal car, and this adds a layer of interest to an already lovely read. No interest in vehicles is necessary to enjoy the book, but for those children who do have a special interest in cars and model cars, this book is a surefire winner.