Rooster Gallo. Jorge Luj�n. Toronto, ON: Groundwood, 2004. 24 pp., cloth, $14.95. ISBN 0-88899-558-X. Subject Headings: Roosters-Juvenile poetry. Day-Juvenile poetry. Night-Juvenile poetry. Preschool-grade 3 / Ages 3-8. Review by Catherine Hoyt. ** /4

excerpt:

The rooster opens its beak
and up comes the sun.
The sun opens its hand
and the day is born.

The day is surprised when night
spreads its cloak and fills it with stars
that the rooster can eat
and so clear the sky for
a new day.

Author Jorge Elias Luj�n was born in Argentina and lives in Mexico. Luj�n dreamed this myth and wrote a children's book consisting of a single metaphorical poem. Luj�n has won an IBBY award and has published a number of children's titles. This translated poem has simple text but is quite abstract for a younger audience.

     Award winning Mexican illustrator Manuel Monroy's pictures are simple and done in bright colours. There isn't a lot on these two page spreads, but there is the occasional detail like shadows and insects. Children will enjoy searching for the rooster in the stars and clouds. Although appealing, the illustrations are not very descriptive of the text.

     Rooster Gallo may have trouble finding a home in Canadian school and public libraries. There isn't a strong market for bilingual Spanish/English titles in Canada.

Recommended with Reservations.

Catherine Hoyt is the Public Services Librarian for the York Library Region in Fredericton, NB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright � the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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