What Can You Do with a Rebozo? / ¿Qué Puedes Hacer Con Un Rebozo?

A rebozo or Mexican shawl has all kinds of different uses. They can be made of very practical materials for everyday use or fancy ones for those special occasions. The little girl's mama has a pretty blue one with wide spaced fringe that makes it just perfect for Sundays when she "spreads it like a butterfly to pretty up her dress." On the other hand, the rebozo can be folded into a little backpack to hold her baby brother so Mama can braid her hair. They are good for little brothers to hide under and big sisters can weave them into their beautiful black hair to make them look even more beautiful! Little girls can cuddle up to their grandmas underneath a rebozo to keep warm, cozy and get lots of hugs. They are good for wiping up stains, but Daddy will need to wash it after cleaning up a mess. On birthdays they can be used to cover one's eyes when trying to hit the colorful piñata (no peeking!), they can be used to make a secret tunnel between two chairs, they make great Superman capes on Halloween, they are good for wrapping a sick puppy in, making a slide from the top bunk and, best of all, winding around your body when you dance the La Bamba. This is a beautiful book that is vibrant and lots of fun. The gorgeous, very complimentary artwork won the 2009 Pura Belpré Illustration Honor. In the back of the book is a brief historical discussion about rebozos. This would be a fun book to read during circle or story time in a library or classroom setting. Don't forget to bring your rebozo!

Wonderful book! I checked this book out of the library for my grandaughter. She loved it soo much that I had to buy it! I appreciated that the theme and pictures had a hispanic (latino) flavor. An added plus was the multi generational family portrayed. My grandaughter's favorite part is when the brother cleans up spilled ketchup with the rebozo and then the Dad launders it.

A rebozo is a traditional Mexican shawl. The book, What Can You Do With a Rebozo? is a fun and educational look at the traditional garb of a culture some readers may not be familiar with. A young girl invites you into her home and life and shows you, through the story, the various uses for a rebozo. The uses are creative and practical; from using it as a wrap to carry a baby to using it to cover one when they fall asleep. What makes What Can You Do With a Rebozo? especially good for children is the manner in which the author is able to inform and entertain. I love the illustrations. They are vibrant, inviting and informative. Children will be drawn to the pictures and thus the story as the illustrations complement the story. Armchair Interviews says: A book to help children learn about their own, or perhaps another culture while enjoying a good story.