Initially I might not have considered this book to rate 5 stars, but it has been in my preschool classroom for a few years, and is a favorite with children. It highlights themes of family, imaginative play, and kindness. Children understand this book, and I have come to love it! ( )

Mario, Marissa and his cousins are playing restraunt in the backyard. They pretend they own a mexican restraunt with tacos made from leaves, mud and flower petals. They begin to get hungry and ask nana to take them to the store to get what they need to make real tacos for lunch.
Source: Pierce County Library
Ages: 4-6

An alluring spin on old-fashioned mud pies, the illustrations and the lively imaginations of the children, induce a real desire to feast on mud tacos. One is ready to crunch into the giant leaf shells and to munch on the filling of mud and flowers. Surrounded by a garden of colorful plants and friendly smiles, the children welcome the reader to the world of pretend.
Themes: imagination and growing up -- Is one ever too old to play make believe?
Classroom uses: the above question could act as a prompt for a rich discussion about growing up, fantasy and reality, and imagination. ( )