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Pepe and the Parade

A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage

Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega
Published by little bee books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
LIST PRICE $16.99

About The Book

Join Pepe as he celebrates his Mexican-American heritage by participating in a Hispanic Day parade. Children will delight in seeing many Hispanic cultures proudly honored in this joyous picture book.

Pepe wakes up energized to attend his first Hispanic Day parade. With new food to taste, music to dance to, and a parade to watch, Pepe couldn't be more excited to celebrate and share his Hispanic heritage. Many of Pepe's friends also attend the festival, celebrating their own Hispanic ties. Mexican, Dominican, Panamanian, Colombian, Honduran, Nicaraguan, Chilean, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and Cuban cultures are all represented in the parade. A day filled with joy and pride, Pepe and the Parade is a jubilant celebration of culture and identity.

Illustrated by Pura Belpré Honoree, Mirelle Ortega, and with Spanish words effortlessly included throughout, this gorgeous story is a great introduction to the Spanish language. A glossary of Spanish words, complete with English translations, and an educational author's note provide useful tools for further learning and discussion.

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Raves and Reviews

Pepe wakes up early to participate in the Hispanic Day Parade. He can't wait to join his friends in celebration of his culture while enjoying delicious food from various countries. His family joins in on the festivities by dressing in native Mexican costumes; Mami in her flowery falda, Papi in his mariachi outfit, and Abuelo in his sombrero. As the parade begins, Pepe sees his friends from school. They represent Columbia, Honduras, Ecuador, San Salvador, and pretty much all of the Central and Latin American countries. The author provides information on Hispanic Heritage Month, including the differences in using the terms Hispanic and Latino. A glossary of terms provides a pronunciation guide of the Spanish words that are interspersed throughout the rhyming text. VERDICT With so many cultures introduced in this pleasant picture book with lively comic-style illustrations, readers may be inspired to explore a particular culture in depth.

– School Library Journal

All races and geographical areas are represented, from North America to Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. The bright and vivid colors add a festive layer to the illustrations, and the rhyming text is peppered with Spanish words that are defined in a glossary...the bright palette and uniqueness of subject warrants a space on picture-book shelves.

– Booklist

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More books from this author: Tracey Kyle