Maria loves churros. More than anything in the world she loves churros. So there is the opportunity to fight the bull and win a lifetime supply of churros!!

Maria is told she isn't big enough or strong enough. But that doesn't stop her. She is determined to try. What I love is that Maria has a different approach to the bullfight than others do. It shows that in life, there are multiple ways of doing things and sometimes love conquers far more effectively.

There is a missed opportunity in this book I feel like. I wish that there was a churro recipe at the end of it. It would fit the book quite well! ( )

diverse picture book with strong female character (preschool ages 3 and up)
for the love of churros, this was a fun book. Would work for a mixed age crowd, grades preschool through 3rd or 4th (or even 5th and up). ( )

Maria loves churros! When she learns that a local bullfight is awarding a lifetime supply to the winner, she knows that she must be the victor. She struggles to overcome the odds stacked against her such as size, strength, and speed, but she shows up anyway. Maria is laughed at when she meets the other matadors on the big day, who are all male, are does her best to ignore them. When it's her turn in the ring she faces the biggest bull she's ever seen and walks directly up to him and asks if he'd like to dance. The bull is touched by such a kind offer, as he has spent most of his life being battered and bullied by other matadors. They dance and she wins! The two of them enjoy her beloved churros together and become friends.

The author, Anne Lambert, reminds us that winning is always possible- sometimes it's a person determination and creative spirit that makes them strong enough to succeed. Lambert, who is also the book's illustrator, added an extra touch by making the images appear to share a similar texture to that of a churro. Cute. ( )