Tonio's Cat

"Tonio's Cat" combines a story by Mary Calhoun with illustrations by Edward Martinez. The book is about Tonio, a boy whose family has moved from Mexico to California so his parents can find work. While living in California, Tonio befriends a stray cat. Some Spanish words and phrases, with English translations, are blended into the text.There are a couple of flaws with this book. The Spanish dialogue and English translations are incorporated into the book somewhat awkwardly. Also, the book fails to deal with important issues that are relevant to the plot, such as the possible danger of interacting with a strange stray. But the book has many good points. It teaches respect and compassion for animals, and Tonio is an admirable young hero. And anyone who has bonded with a cat (or other animal) can, I believe, relate to the story.