Book of Questions
Long but captivating, poetic bilingual picture book.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Book of Questions is the first fully illustrated selection of 70 questions from Nobel Prize winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's original Spanish-language poems Libro de las preguntas (that included 320 questions). Translated by Sara Lissa Paulson and gorgeously illustrated by Paloma Valdivia, Chilean author-illustrator of more than 20 beautiful children's books including Nosotros Means Us. This beautiful bilingual book features English text first with a corresponding Spanish translation listed right below or to the right of the English text on each page. No actual answers may exist to the questions presented here but reading through each, kids might find that they can come up with logical answers if they think about it hard enough. Most questions are lyrical, historical, political, spiritual, and even strange: "Might a butterfly's soul migrate and transform into a flying fish?" or "Is there anything in the world sadder than a motionless train in the rain?" The use of nature is part of Neruda's iconic style and things from nature are beautifully depicted in each of the book's whimsical pages. This is a captivating picture book that's great for introducing young readers to the poetry of Pablo Neruda, one of the most popular Latin American poets of the 20th century. It's also a great book selection for bilingual families and those looking to practice a new language.
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What's the Story?
BOOK OF QUESTIONS is the bilingual English-Spanish illustrated edition of a selection of questions from Pablo Neruda's original book of poems of the same name. With illustrations rooted in Chilean landscapes, questions like "why do trees hide the splendor of their roots?" and "What irritates volcanoes so much that they spit fire, ice, and fury?" will get kids thinking about nature's big mysteries, even if there is no clear cut answer. Valdivia's lively artwork brings Neruda's questions to life and easily holds the wonder and mystery of childhood while sharing the experience and knowledge that comes with growing up. Many paradoxes and riddles grace the pages of this attractive picture book and challenge kids to embrace the limits of their knowledge, while also removing the burden and constraint that often comes when we don't have answers to every question.
Is It Any Good?
Paloma Valdivia does an outstanding job bringing Neruda's poetry to life with her vivid illustrations – striking reds, bright teals, bold yellows, and textured grays jump off bright white and deep black backgrounds. Author of Canto General and winner of the 1971 Nobel Prize in Literature, Pablo Neruda could possibly be one of the most influential Latin American poets of the 20th Century. This illustrated version of his Book of Questions provides an easy entry point for young readers to learn about his poetry. Notes by the Illustrator and Editor at the end of the book give great details about Neruda's life and provide a glimpse into Valdivia's creative process when making this book.The simple yet inviting illustrations give visuals that will keep kids wanting to turn the pages of this long 80-page picture book. Striking green lettering on the cover (a homage to Neruda's affinity for writing in green ink) and a sturdy clear acetate jacket, makes this illustrated version feel like a collector's edition that belongs on a family's bookshelf. It contains six magnificent double fold spreads that lift to reveal expanded illustrations and introduce even more questions, further inviting readers to reflect deeper. A great read for all ages.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their favorite poems or favorite poets. Have you ever heard of Pablo Neruda and his Book of Questions? What do you know about him? What would you like to learn more about?
Can you identify big questions in this picture book? What questions got you thinking more? Is there something you'd like to think deeper about? What questions were most puzzling? Did you come to any conclusions of your own? What are they?
Can you identify new words or phrases you learned in this book? What new words or phrases did you learn in Spanish? What new words or phrases did you learn in English?
Book Details
- Author: Pablo Neruda
- Illustrator: Paloma Valdivia
- Genre: Picture Book
- Character Strengths: Communication, Curiosity, Empathy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Enchanted Lion Books
- Publication date: April 26, 2022
- Number of pages: 80
- Available on: Hardback
- Last updated: May 24, 2022
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