Module 4: Pio Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes

Ada, Alma Flor and F. Isabel Campoy. 2003. ¡Pío Peep! Traditional Spanish Nursery Rhymes. Illus. by Viví Escrivá. Harper Collins: New York. ISBN 0-688-16020-4.

This bilingual collection of traditional Spanish rhymes highlights Spanish oral folklore. The colorful illustrations wrap themselves around the Spanish and English translation of the poem, binding the two versions together. Having both translations is essential to understanding the poems. Several poems seem irregular when read in English, but when the original Spanish is read, the flow of the poem is recaptured. Readers will enjoy the poems while learning about another culture. Many English-speaking children have played London Bridge. A powerful realization can be made when Sea Serpent introduces the Spanish equivalent: Sea Serpent/sea serpent/pass on through/ gates swing open just for you/ Those in front must run through fast/gates will close upon the last. Several poems blend learning about a new culture with realizing one’s existing knowledge on that culture. The words of The Piñata, /hit it/hit it/ swing it around/ ready/aim/smack!/-- treats fall to the ground/, spark memories in many children. The introduction and the table of contents are in English and Spanish. Readers in English and/or Spanish will revel in the light rhymes and carefree fun of this anthology.