for reading alone. Following their previous two seasonal collaborations Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems (1997), a Pura BelpreHonor book, and From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems (1998), poet Alarcon and painter Gonzalez now turn their attention to fall in Los Angeles. Here people / come from all / over the world / to make / their dreams / come true. In 20 imagistic poems written in both English and Spanish, Alarcon presents his memories of growing up in a loving Chicano community: his grandma escorting him to his First Day of School, his mother always reminding him !si se puede! --/ yes, you can do it! and watching Angels Ride Bikes when the whole / city riding / on bikes / once again / the air turns / pure and clean. Gonzalez's colorful and expressive paintings provide a vibrantly visual response to the poetry. Welcome this new collection and then await the winter addition to complete the seasonal quartet. (Reviewed December 1, 1999)

Alarcón and González team up again to offer a third bilingual collection of illustrated seasonal poems. Fall in Los Angeles is warm with family life and optimistic messages ("yes, you can do it!"). Some poems, such as "First Day of School," display the poignancy and grace that have won Alarcón praise, but others are not as successful. González illustrates fall with colorful joy.

Alarcn summons the Los Angeles of his youth in this fine collection of poems that are rendered in both English and Spanish, and complemented by Gonzalez's merry painted photographs. In unrhymed verse, Alarcn celebrates a city that provided opportunities for his large family. Riding high here is the love of a mother and father who toil like demons while offering encouragement, protection, and warmth; of a grandmother, a wise and emboldening soul, who steps in when his parents are at work; of the neighborhood, with its memorable characters; and of the markets and the playful images they offer. Bananas make him think that "each bunch is a natural wonder/a splendid baseball glove." Not all is fruity and bright in Alarcn's world, e.g., the work his parents do is hard and mean, it is not easy for him to make the adjustment to a new school, and the city's pollution: "from a window I look at the dirty gray air/I imagine trees crying in distress." A tribute to a city, and to abiding family love. (Picture book/poetry. 5-9)

Gr 2-5-In rhythmic, flowing language, Herrera uses startlingly apt images to tell the story of a young Hispanic boy's adjustment to an Anglo school. Juanito is worried about entering a new school, afraid that his tongue will "-turn into a rock." Indeed, on the first day, this is what happens. He feels frightened, shy, and "de cabeza," upside down. Fortunately, his teacher recognizes his musical and verbal abilities, and with her encouragement and the support of his family, Juanito not only fits in, but shines. Based on Herrera's own experiences in third grade, this positive look at the process of adjustment is beautifully complemented by G-mez's brilliantly colored, primitive acrylic illustrations. Francisco Jim nez's La Mariposa (Houghton, 1998) and Jane Medina's My Name Is Jorge: On Both Sides of the River (Boyds Mills, 1999) cover similar turf, though in a less upbeat manner. El ni-o is an excellent addition to a growing body of work on the experience of adjusting to life in a new culture.-Ann Welton, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.