Fairytale (3)

Frida Maria's family is preparing for their big fiesta. Frida's mamá wants her to learn to be a good "señorita" for the fiesta; however, all Frida is interested in is the horses her uncle takes care of. Frida and her mamá both learn in the end that in order for the whole family to be happy, everyone must learn to do what is best for them. ( )

Frida is not the little girl her mother wants her to be, she likes to ride horses and hang out with her uncle and she cannot cook, clean, or sew. When it comes time for the town Fiesta, Frida tries to be more lady like. That is until a horse race erupts and Frida jumps on her uncle's horse to win. Although Frida is not as lady like and well mannered as her mother wants her to be, her mother loves her nonetheless and she enjoys the Fiesta with her family.
The illustrations really made it seem like I was observing a real Fiesta, they were authentic and colorful. I also liked the message of this book, to never stop being who you are for anyone else. ( )

Frida Maria is a feisty, independent little girl in the Old Southwest. Everyone is getting ready for Fiesta, and although she tries to behave properly, Frida is constantly disappointing her "mama. "Finally, she must decide if it is better to please her "mama "or to be true to herself. "It is refreshing to see such a strong and independent girl in this satisfying picture book."***SRC Quiz***

"Frida Maria: A Story of the Old Southwest", written by California native Deborah Nourse Lattimore, includes charming illustrations of the architecture, clothing, customs, and artifacts from the Mexican rancho period of California. The plot of this picture book involves a spirited young girl (Frida Maria) who would rather be riding her horse than participating in some of the more typical feminine pastimes of the era such as sewing, cooking, and dancing. The climax of the story has Frida Maria leaping on a horse and racing against a neighboring ranchero. Naturally, Frida wins and saves her family a year's worth of taxes. Although the plot is unlikely, in an author's note Lattimore describes a real high-stakes horse race in1842 between Jose Sepulveda from Los Angeles and Pio Pico from San Diego. Students will probably especially appreciate the huge four-paneled painting at the end of the book which features both the outside and inside of an old California adobe. ( )