Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

"Planting Stories" is the biography of Pura Belpré, a Puerto Rican woman who moved to New York City in 1921 seeking opportunity. She was hired as a bilingual assistant at a branch of the New York Public Library and began telling Puerto Rican folktales to children. She made puppets to accompany her stories and began traveling to libraries throughout the city, putting on shows. Eventually, Belpré published her stories so that they could appear on the shelves in the library.
I really loved this book. Anika Aldamuy Denise does an excellent job of telling Belpré's story. I appreciate that fragments of the story are written in Spanish. Paola Escobar's illustrations are beautiful and enthralling. I had never heard of Pura Belpré before show more reading this book and I am very glad to have learned her story. I would highly recommend this book to first through fourth grade teachers. show less

Author Anika Aldamuy Denise and illustrator Paola Escobar explore the life of celebrated storyteller, librarian and author Pura Belpré in this lovely new picture-book biography. The first Puerto Rican to work at the New York Public Library, Belpré hosted storytelling sessions in which she shared the folklore of her native island with young children, eventually going on to publish many of those tales. The Pura Belpré Award, which is given by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and which recognizes outstanding children's books depicting the Latino cultural experience in the United States, is named in her honor...

As a long time admirer of Pura Belpré, one who has show more read almost all of her work, I was delighted when Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré came in to work. I recognized the author as the creator of Starring Carmen and its sequels, which I have enjoyed, and I found the cover-art appealing. The narrative here was engaging and informative - I particularly liked the mention of Perez and Martina! - and the illustrations simply gorgeous. Paola Escobar utilizes a lovely color palette, and has a charming style. There is an author's note, and a list of sources and reading ideas at the rear. All in all, an educational and entertaining work of picture-book biography, one I would recommend to fellow Pura Belpré fans, and to young book and story lovers. show less

"Pura's words paint a picture
of a little house with a round balcony,
where Martina, a beautiful Spanish cockroach,
meets Perez..."

This is the story of a storyteller and an educator, Pura Belpre and the many gifts that she brought from Puerto Rico to grow interested minds in a new place. In the pages Paola Escobar's confident style makes her joy at teaching and learning apparent. Children and animals delight in her descriptions and fun. Storytelling at the library becomes a ritual. Pura lights a candle when she begins and when she finishes each child makes a wish on the candle and then the story is finished.

I love the idea of the practice. The story is over, the energy shifts, but there is a familiar visual cue to help listeners show more transition. The words and the illustrations have a light touch and move you through the ups and downs such as the death of her spouse. A very enjoyable read! For older classes it could also illustrate the ways in which Belpre made an incredible difference in her field with a unique set of experiences only she could bring. show less

This would be a wonderful book for intermediate students. It tells the story of the sweet lady named Pura Belpre who immigrated to the United States from Puerto Rico. Belpre began going to and working at the library by her house, and began to realize that there were very little books written in Spanish. She began working to write and tell stories in Spanish through books and puppet shows and went on to travel sharing her stories. She married a musician and returned to the library, continuing to spread her love of writing and storytelling with others. This book is helpful because it can show students the power of books, and the impact stories can have on a person. I would use this book in a read aloud at the beginning of the year, in show more order to set the tone of the importance of reading and storytelling in my classroom and inspire students to write their stories like Pura Belpre. show less

This picture book biography celebrates Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian at NYPL, who introduced stories and cultural heritage to children through bilingual storytelling. The vibrant illustrations and heartfelt narrative make it easy to see why she planted so many kids’ love for reading.

To be honest, I wasn't aware at all about Pura Belpre before this year. She is such an inspiration, not only because she spoke three languages but because she had the courage to share her families stories and create puppet shows for the people in her community. I can't imagine what Libraries would be like without her.

"Planting Stories" is a stunning book, I will just say that right now. Working in the library, I know of Pura Belpre. Every year, an award, named for her, is given to the best Latinx author and illustrator. That being said, I did not know that much about her before I read this picture book. I did not know her story.

It's the story of coming to NYC from Puerto Rico and falling in love with the United States. She carries "seeds" from her homeland of stories, tales, etc. No one knows them in the United States so Pura sets out to share them with children. She does bilingual storytimes. She makes puppets. She shares her love of culture with those who do not know it.

A beautiful thing about this book are the Spanish words and phrases that are show more intermingled in the text. This is both good and bad. I know....passable....pronunciation so I wouldn't feel like I was butchering the language. However, because there is not a translation guide, you do have to do your best guess at what you are saying.

I think this book is an excellent example of a strong woman who made a difference in the lives of many. She seems like a positive role model! show less