Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin

This book is so original in its illustrations and format. The author has a very unique way of comparing and contrasting two different cultures that he knows quite well. Charlie lives in America and writes a letter to his cousin Carlos in Mexico. What better way to capture the attention of the young reader and introduce some basic Spanish vocabulary. The simple, beautiful artwork bridges both cultures, fusing them. I loved the ending!

I really like this book because it opens the window to the mind of a boy "primo" that shares his experiences and way of life with his other primo ( cousin,) who he has probably never met, or hasn't seen in a long time--because he lives in a different country. The curiosity and playfulness of both boys, allows the reader to discover the differences in their culture and their experiences, seen from the playful and innocent eyes of a child. From the very beginning you are introduced to way they dress and the difference in the toys they play with. They discuss not only the food they eat, but the clothes and sports they play at home. In short, it gives the small reader an introduction to another world.Primo shows the imagination and playfulness of the child's mind that has this innate curiosity, as he describes the picturesque experiences of his life. This is a book for children who will be excited and curious. It will open their mind to a different world, different from their own. Any adult will also be fascinated by the characters, through the colorful illustrations, that tell the story in itself as the writer brings them to life.

Great book to expose children to different cultures.

Very nice story that can relate to a lot of children of immigrant's parents and all others who have relatives in other countries. Remove the psychology piece about the illustrations not making eye contact and it's a very attractive book for children. Eye contact? Who thinks these things up? Spanglish books are the best.

If you are looking for books with Latino male characters, then this text supports this type of diversity.

My daughter had a reading assignment over the summer for this book. She enjoyed reading it and it arrived quick.

Will be using this in my writing curriculum. Wonderful story and a must have for your classroom library!

I bought this book twice, for my son then for my nephew. They absolutely love it. I am glad to see a book that my son gets an opportunity to relate.We also got his Diego Rivera book.Great author and illustrator!

I was born in Gutemala and my family migrated to Canada when I was six. All my aunts, uncles, and cousins remained in Guatemala. I have visited them often. This book is great in teaching about the differences and similarities of the lives of two "middle class" boys - one who lives in the US, the other in Mexico.Tha book is also a great way to introduce the concept of letter writing.