Official Review: El Gato Gordo y Otras Rimas

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "El Gato Gordo y Otras Rimas" by Barbara Sirotkin.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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El Gato Gordo y Otras Rimas by Barbara Sirotkin is a delightful children's poetry collection written in Spanish. The various poems range from amusing anecdotes about different animals to lessons about nature, weather, fear, and compassion. The book features colorful art by Blueberry Illustrations that will appeal to young readers.

The 25-page book features 15 poems, and the synopsis describes the collection as a "...unique and creative teaching tool" for both language teachers and Spanish learners. While several of the poems are humorous and entertaining, others teach age-appropriate lessons and vocabulary. For instance, "Las Monstruos" is about a boy who hides under his bed because he is afraid of monsters, but after his mother comforts him, he sleeps peacefully. "Las Cuatro Estaciones" identifies the seasons and describes the changes in nature and weather, such as colorful trees in Autumn and flowers in Spring.

I particularly like the assortment of humorous characters featured in Sirotkin's poems. Young readers will be delighted by the chubby feline in the title poem, an astronomy-loving snake who hangs out in the library, and a witch who enjoys a hot dog and Coca-Cola during her broom ride. The accompanying whimsical illustrations complement the collection, and I also appreciate that the vibrant artwork depicts children of various races, which carries special significance in today's current social climate.

There is nothing I dislike or improvements I would suggest for this entertaining children's poetry book. The collection of Spanish poems is educational and exceptionally edited and will appeal to children ages five and older. Older students may enjoy reading it to their younger siblings.

I am pleased to rate El Gato Gordo y Otras Rimas 4 out of 4 stars. The author's expertise as a Spanish teacher for over thirty years shines through her exemplary collection. I recommend it to Spanish-speaking students and as a fun resource for teachers, parents, and grandparents.

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El Gato Gordo y Otras Rimas
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[NetMassimo]

This seems a nice book for Spanish-speaking children and it might be useful to learn some Spanish as well. Thank you for your great review!

[Gabrielle Sigaki]

A poetry book for children seems great! The illustrations will attract children's attention. A nice book to teach Spanish to kids too it seems. Thanks for the review! Good job!

[Usma Khann]

"A snake that hangs out in a library" and a "witch that loves hot-dogs". Well, it definetely captured my attention and would thus prove to be a fun and educational read to children. Appreciate the honest review.

[Prisallen]

I have been trying to learn Spanish but have not been too successful as of yet. Lol. However, I might be able to struggle my way through this book, and it would be a fun way to learn. It certainly would be a nice book for Spanish-speaking children or children who are trying to learn Spanish. Thanks for your great review!

[Adanna Inya]

This is a sound one for children to read. I love it when children's book concentrate of subtle humor and virtues. They can enjoy themselves while learning something new. Beautiful review.

[Cecilia_L]

This seems a nice book for Spanish-speaking children and it might be useful to learn some Spanish as well. Thank you for your great review!

Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

A poetry book for children seems great! The illustrations will attract children's attention. A nice book to teach Spanish to kids too it seems. Thanks for the review! Good job!

Thank you, Gabrielle.

[Cecilia_L]

"A snake that hangs out in a library" and a "witch that loves hot-dogs". Well, it definetely captured my attention and would thus prove to be a fun and educational read to children. Appreciate the honest review.

Thank you!

[Cecilia_L]

I have been trying to learn Spanish but have not been too successful as of yet. Lol. However, I might be able to struggle my way through this book, and it would be a fun way to learn. It certainly would be a nice book for Spanish-speaking children or children who are trying to learn Spanish. Thanks for your great review!

You're welcome. I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

This is a sound one for children to read. I love it when children's book concentrate of subtle humor and virtues. They can enjoy themselves while learning something new. Beautiful review.

Thanks for your comment.

[Teddyquam]

Sounds like a great book! As someone trying to improve their Spanish, I would definitely consider purchasing it. Also, I just love the title. It made me giggle

[Cecilia_L]

Sounds like a great book! As someone trying to improve their Spanish, I would definitely consider purchasing it. Also, I just love the title. It made me giggle

Thank you for your comment.

[Ngozi Onyibor]

I'm learning Spanish, so I think I might pick up the book just to see how well I would understand the poems. Great review, as always.

[Mohammed_Sameer2]

Hi Cecilia_L, it is a nice review of the book, that you discover the educational purpose, and the aesthetic sides of poems, and characters. Have a great day.