Chato is the coolest car in the barrio, and he LOVES to party.  He later finds out that his best "cat" friend, Novio Boy, has never had a birthday party.  Chato and his party animal friends begin to throw a surprise party for Novio Boy.  He gets decorations, makes a pinata, and even finds a friend to DJ.  Chato bought the best "cat crunchies, dog biscuits, and extra kitty litter just in case."  Everyone began arriving for the party but Novio Boy was nowhere to be found.  Chato and the Party Animals searched all over town for him, and they still couldn't find him.  They all come to the conclusion that Novio Boy has been kidnapped.  Just as they began to cry, Novio Boy pops in!  "This is the best party I've ever been to.  You guys are mi familia.  You're the best." Novio Boy said.  

Gary Soto provided us a glossary of words on the first page.  He incorporates Spanish into the text such as el barrio, which mean neighborhood.  This is a fun way to help students see diversity within culture and the different type of fiestas!  Susan Guevara paints vibrant images and uses lines to portray excitement. Chato and the Party Animals is a great book to teach students the importance of friendship and celebration.  I recommend this book for third grade and up.  You could even do a short Spanish lesson before reading it aloud!

Island in the Sun is a lyrical recollection of a Jamaican childhood.  Harry Belafonte and Lord Burgess take us through Jamaica in the form of a song.  We are shown tires of family, history, and a warming and homey environment.  Culture is an important part of growing up.  Belafonte and Burgess teach the lesson in a fun and interactive way for children to understand.  Ayliffe illustrates in vibrant colors to give us the feel that we are experiencing this Jamaican culture.

I think a great activity to do with students would to read the book aloud and point out various differences between their culture and the Jamaican one shared with us in the story.  After we read it aloud, we would then sing the book and create our own drums to drum along.  Understanding and respecting all cultures is crucial to developing friendships.  Island in the Sun shares a culture we are not use to seeing and provides a new aspect of understanding.