Bibliographic Data
Ryan, Pam
Muñoz. 2005. Nacho and Lolita. Ill.
Claudia Rueda. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 9780439269681
Brief Plot Summary
Nacho, a
colorful and rare pitacoche bird, meets a sparrow, Lolita during her temporary
migration to the adobe Mission San Juan Capistrano. They fall deep in love, but
remorsefully part ways despite every effort to remain together. Then Nacho
magically sacrifices his feathers by planting them into the barren landscape.
They turn into colorful flowers creating a landscape where he and Lolita can
live together at last.
Critical Analysis
This
story is based on a folktale from Ryan’s childhood. Traditional literature such
as this is rooted in oral tradition. According to Smolen and Oswald, preserving
the oral tradition is one of the prevailing themes of Hispanic literature
(2011, p. 205). In the author’s note, Ryan recounts how she tried to find the
origin of her grandmother’s story about the pitacoche. When she found Anthony
John Campos’s version it was different from her memory (Ryan, 2005). As with
most folktales there was variation.
One of
the cultural markers readers will find is italicized Spanish words. They are
translated within the writing flowing with the natural language. Terms are
sparse and do not occur unnecessarily. They are a pleasant addition to this
Mexican folktale.
Another
prevailing theme of Hispanic literature is the free rein of fantasy (Smolen
& Oswald, 2011). Nacho may be a real bird, but he has the magical ability
to plant his colorful feathers into flowers. However it comes at a cost. Every
feather removed is replaced by a gray one. When the first feather he planted
for Lolita takes root, Nacho realizes the solution to his problem.
Smolen
and Oswald note that one of the common worldviews of the Hispanic community is
valuing relationships of families and friends (2011, p. 196). Nacho admires the
swallows and how they fly together as a family. This story shows how the
relationship between Lolita and Nacho develops. It is wrought with sacrifice
and love. Initially Nacho takes care of Lolita’s children by helping feed them.
Later Lolita tries to strengthen Nacho and Nacho gives up his beautiful
feathers.
The
illustrations are by Claudia Rueda, a Columbian artist. For this book she used
colored pencils to create colorful scenes. She blends colors creating gradients
and realistic depth. Color is an important aspect of this story and Rueda’s
choices are spot on particularly when Nacho’s last feather turned into the
“papaya” colored sky. The start of the story displays a dismal scene lacking
color to which she clearly depicts in her illustrations. She also effectively
conveys the admiration and adoration that Nacho feels for not only Lolita, but
all the swallows. Although the birds have so little features on their faces the
emotion is undeniable. Rueda puts her communicative mark on this tale with a
wordless image of Nacho sweetly waiting and longing for Lolita.
Smolen,
Lynn Atkinson, and Ruth A. Oswald. 2011. Multicultural literature and response
affirming diverse voices. Santa Barbara, Calif: Libraries Unlimited.
Awards & Best Books
Western Writers of America Spur Award,
2006 Finalist Storyteller United States
Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition,
2006 H.W. Wilson
Kirkus
Book Review Stars, October 1, 2005
Review Excerpt(s)
“Ryan's cozy storytelling will draw
listeners close, and the Colombian-born illustrator cleverly exploits the
contrast between the drought-scarred backdrops and Nacho's brilliance to
achieve a vibrancy that is unusual in colored-pencil illustrations.”
- Jennifer Mattson (Booklist, Oct. 1,
2005 (Vol. 102, No. 3))
“A cheerful and tender paean to the
transformative power of love.”
- Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2005 (Vol.
73, No. 19)
“A sense of enchantment pervades this
tender love story.”
-Publishers
Weekly
Connections
Pan Muñoz Ryan’s reader’s theatre
script for Nacho and Lolita:
After reading this story have students try recalling scenes from the story and using color pencils to depict them. Enlarge the book’s illustrations showing different techniques Rueda uses in her art.
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