"Ernesto and his friends visit Senor Jose's bodega
on their way to school.
The store is full of colors
and all of Ernesto's favorite things.
His friends buy cheese puffs and gummy worms.
"What about you, Ernesto?" asks Senor Jose."
Carlos Matias opens his book with a note to his readers about what life was like before we all carried cell phones. At that time, there were pay phones available to ensure calls could be made when circumstances made them necessary. His mother would give him a quarter every morning as he left for school ... just in case!
It's Monday, and Ernesto is ready to walk to school without his parents. It's time to be a nino grande. Ernesto is ready for a change. Just ahead of walking out the door, his mother gives him a quarter 'for emergencies'. It's perfect for his secret pocket. Off he goes with friends.
They like to stop at the bodega on their way; so many delicious and favorite things test his resolve. He refuses purchase and explains that he is saving his money. Ernesto counts six pay phones on his way to school. The same thing happens Tuesday, and every day that first week. The boys stop at their favorite places; Ernesto saves his quarters. He might need them for an emergency.
Favorite Day Friday finally rolls around; the sights and sounds of his neighborhood make for a happy celebration of family time and the coming weekend. A visit to Felix's barbershop brings the boys in contact with some of the people they have seen throughout their week. When Felipa walks through the door with her empanada-filled cooler, Ernesto's nose leads him straight to her.
His arrival home with crumbs on his shirt elicits an explanation for his mother:
"There was an emergency at the barbershop."
Gracey Zhang gives life to Ernesto's community as it is described in winning text from Mr. Matias. The gouache, watercolor and ink images are filled with wonderful details, luxuriant colors, and the joy to be found in being part of a vigorous neighborhood.
No comments:
Post a Comment