Summary
In this story, the Spaniard legend of Dona Esmeralda who eats everything that children will not eat comes to life through diverse illustrations. Dona eats all diverse foods from around the world and she is not afraid to try any kind of food. She just eats and eats until she feels satisfied. However, at the end of her story she eats too much and then disappears. Legend says she is still secretly around waiting for children to refuse to finish their food, so she can sneak in and eat it!
Theme(s):
Traditions, Character Change, Imagination
Personal Response
I found this to be a fun and motivating story that encourages children to try new foods that are diverse from their own typical meals. I enjoyed the detailed illustrations and definitions that describe what each diverse food is, so the reader can become curious and want to try it! This story made me feel like a child again and reminded me how important it is to take risks and try new things because you are never how much happiness something can bring to your life until you are willing to try it!
Teaching Ideas
I would integrate this book into the social studies and math curriculum by having students participate in making the diverse recipes that the book shares. I would have students choose a recipe that is new to them and then we would work together to make the recipe and then try it. Also, I would have the students bring in a traditional family recipe from home that we could compile into class cookbooks that everyone can take home.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01, Grade 02
