The Piata That the Farm Maiden Hung [Hardcover]

This is the bilingual story of the farm maiden and her cadre of animals, who crafted a festive piñata for a surprise birthday party. A beautiful and lively companion to the award-winningThe Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred.

A young girl sets out on errands for the day, and while she's gone, the farm maiden prepares a piñata from scratch with help from a boy, horse, goose, cat, sheep, and farmer. After they all fall asleep in the afternoon sun, they must scramble to finish preparations in time--just as the girl arrives back to her surprise party. Key English words change to Spanish as the cumulative verse builds to the celebratory ending. With the familiarity of The House That Jack Built, the tale cleverly incorporates Spanish words, adding a new one in place of the English word from the previous page. This book makes learning the language easy and fun. Back matter includes a glossary, definitions, and directions for making a piñata at home.

Delightful and engaging --Foreword Reviews, STARRED review♦ Follow along as the whole farm pitches in to create a piñata in time for the party in this delightful and engagingcumulative tale celebrating the spirit of Mexican folk art and traditions. Sing along in English or learn new Spanishwords and phrases; the narrative is rhythmic, accompanied by festive illustrations featuring bright cascarones, handcarvedalebrijes, papel picado fluttering in the breeze—and piñatas, of course, with detailed directions included to helpmake one at home.
—Foreword Reviews,STARRED review


♦ It takes the hard work and the imagination of many to throw a perfect surprise party. The farm maiden (campesina), a young boy, a farmer, and their group of animal friends prepare for a birthday celebration by gathering all the supplies to make a piñata for their special guest. Each character helps in its creation: The horsl³°