School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-Rafi and Rosi are coquis (tiny tree frogs)who live in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Rafi and Rosi go to visit the El Morro Fort because admission is free for the day. The two froggies enjoy some imaginative play; pretending to be pirates, they find a real pirate treasure and get spooked while exploring an old sentry box. They have a positive sibling relationship and take care of each other. Children can easily relate to them using their imagination. The characters and stories provide a glimpse into the Puerto Rican culture and history. A few Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the three adventures the siblings experience during their visit. The illustrations are cheerful and light. This book is an early fluent reader for students in primary grades. A glossary of Spanish words, locations, and vocabulary that children might not be familiar with is included at the beginning of the book rather than at the end, which helps to prepare readers before they encounter words. The "Did you Know About." section at the end gives parents and teachers some background knowledge and a brief history of El Morro Fort, the Pirate Cofresi, Pirate Money, and the Haunted Sentry Box Legend. An activity is also included that children can complete just like the characters in the story. VERDICT Children who enjoy Arnold Lobel's "Frog and Toad" series will also enjoy the coquis Rafi and Rosi and their adventures.-Cynthia Molinar, Medio Creek Elementary SWISD, San Antonio © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
In three cheerfully illustrated stories featuring Puerto Rican tree frog siblings, Rafi teaches his younger sister, Rosi, about magnets, bioluminescence, and mangrove trees. Useful in the bilingual classroom for its Spanish and island references, the book will be appreciated by teachers for its scientific merits, too. Glos. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.