Green is a Chile Pepper: a Book of Colors by Roseanne Greenfield Thong, illustrated by John Parra. Chronicle Books, 2014. ISBN 978-1-4521-0203-0
Summary: This concept book provides a rainbow colored window into the world of Latino families. Beginning with the color red and moving through all the colors of the rainbow, plus pink, brown, and white, Hispanic American culture is celebrated through the experiences of children in their homes and neighborhood. Each two-page spread features a color, which is labeled in both English and Spanish, as well as text describing the significance of the color in Latino life.
The rhyming text is mainly written in English, but key terms are in Spanish and are italicized. These italicized terms are listed in a glossary at the end of the narrative, along with succinct definitions and explanations of Hispanic cultural traditions.
Critical Evaluation: While children's literature has become more inclusive of all cultures and ethnicities, it has still not reached the point of being fully representative of the many differences among people that make the world such a diverse place. Green is a Chile Pepper recognizes and celebrates the heritage and culture of Hispanic Americans through the use of color and the identification of particular aspects of Latino life that are unique.
The selected key cultural objects and celebrations, like tortillas, pinatas, and marimbas, are things that many children will be familiar with already, or will quickly recognize as similar to something in their own lives. Both the warmth of the colors used in the illustrations, and the lively spirit of Hispanic life that is captured in the text will encourage an appreciation of Latino culture in children of every ethnic group.
The author and illustrator have also collaborated on a concept book focusing on shapes, Round is a Tortilla.
Age or Interest Level: Ages 2 to 6
Awards: Pura Belpré Award, Illustrator Honor Latino Book Award, Winner
Why Included? This book made me wish I could climb inside the pages to hear abuela's tales, attend the feria, and feed palomitas to the doves, not to mention sample the delicious food being prepared throughout the narrative.