Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote by Duncan Tonatiuh

Papa Rabbit and his friends head north to find work in the corn and lettuce fields.  Crops have failed in Mexico due to the drought and they need money to raise their families so they leave with a promise to return with earnings.

Abrams Books for Young Readers sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It will be published in May, so make a note on your TBR list to pick it up at your local bookstore then.

When his father doesn't return as scheduled, Pancho decides to go after him.  When he finds a coyote who tells him he knows a short cut, he's happy to follow his instructions.  Unfortunately, the coyote is only in it for the food.  (Just like the men who guide people over the boarder are called "coyotes" and are only in it for the money.)

We have a lot of immigrants here in Las Cruces.  There are big farms and ranches and plenty of field work for them.  They often don't get paid very much, but it's still much more than than they can earn or make in Mexico.

I like how this book was put together.  It's very simple for children to read, there is a glossary at the back for the Spanish words, and this can be opportunity for discussion about an issue that is receiving a lot of attention right now.  Be sure to point out that not all immigrants are Mexican; they come from other countries, too. This would make a good book to read aloud and discuss during classes or homeschooling, too.

Why not get a copy and travel along with Pancho and see what you think?

Happy reading.