May 10, 2024
Gr 1-3-This translation of The Truth About the Couch features a universally humorous plot, child-friendly creativity, and cartoon speech-bubble dialogue. It opens to endpapers filling across the gutter with a rich red curtain depicting a theaterlike stage setting. With a page turn, the story introduces an unnamed fox protagonist who speaks directly to readers, making eye contact as he walks across the stage, and dramatically points out the sofa. He continues, stating that he will show and tell readers what the furniture police do not want them to hear about sofas. Of course, children will be hooked, because they want to know what they are not supposed to! The introduction of an unnamed, grumpy opossum and the debate between the two-almost entirely in dialogue-is entertaining. This makes for an exciting primary-grade Spanish-language read-aloud. It encourages listeners to talk back to the protagonists and provide evidence of their thinking (i.e., foreshadowing in illustrations). It can also be a strong mentor text for using dialogue and speech bubbles in student writing. VERDICT This meta-picture book will be a favorite for kids with its animal protagonists, laugh-out-loud plot, and character interactions.-Ruth Quiroa
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