School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-6-Starting with a rousing arrangement of "Guantanamera," a Cuban song performed by Omara Portuondo, one of Cuba's most beloved singers, Latin Playground is a compilation of 11 songs from different parts of Latin America. Winner of a Gold Award from the National Parenting Publications Association, this excellent album features numerous musical styles, including guajira, ranchera, mambo, cumbia, forro, bomba, conjunto, candombe, conga, and samba. Besides guitars, some of the interesting instruments that can be heard include triangle, accordion, maracas, violin, barriles (barrel drums), and marimba. The performers are top notch professionals and sing or play with verve and vigor. From Colombia comes "La Arana Picua" performed by Los 50 de Joselito. This is a silly song about a crazy spider that will bite you if you are not careful. San Antonio, Texas native Terri Hendrix contributes an original song, "Lluvia de Estrellas," inspired by her visit to Boquillas, Mexico. The song celebrates the setting sun and evening stars. "Mardi Gras Mambo," performed by a well-known Cuban band, Cubanismo, is a song from New Orleans that celebrates the annual festival. Lila Downs of Mexico City performs the Mexican/Mayan song "Hanal Weech," a silly story about a man who thinks his girlfriend smells like an armadillo. "Rodopiou," a fun song about dancing and having a good time, is performed by a native Brazilian. The Puerto Rican song "Bomba Le Le" celebrates the joy of dancing. Other songs include "Chocolate" (Ecuador), "De Bolon Pin Pon," "Yo Quiero" (Uruguay), "America Baila" (Venezuela). The liner notes are in both English and Spanish as are the lyrics. The 63-page teacher's guide includes the song lyrics, and information and activities organized by Latin American country. The two-page spreads in the Passport Journal give children an opportunity to fill in information about each country, including geography, vocabulary, flag, instrument, etc. This would be an excellent addition to library and school programs during Hispanic Heritage Month, or just for listening to any time of year.-Beverly Bixler, San Antonio Public Library, TX (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.