Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

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

Such a cute story about the woman whom the Pura Belpre award is names after! Would be a fun read aloud to emphasize/highlight the importance of libraries and all the different kids of books and styles and characters that are represented and we get to read about.

"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

5 stars for the book’s subject about a remarkable and inspiring woman and her story. 5 stars for the illustrations. 4-1/2 stars for the story = 5 stars from me.

I adore the illustrations. They’re wonderful. Gorgeous with a wonderful use of color and so many fun details to pore over. I loved all of them, including the end papers.

The story is good, very good. I particularly like how many Spanish words and phrases are included and in such a way that their English translations are clear or clear enough even if the reader/listener doesn’t know any Spanish.

The four pages at the end of the book, an author’s note of two pages and two pages of additional resources (selected bibliography, archival collections, articles and films, further show more reading, stories by Pura Belpré mentioned in this book) are welcome additions though not a comprehensive list. show less

"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

Illustrations by Paola Escobar
5***** and a ❤

Subtitle: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré.

This picture book biography is marvelously illustrated by Paola Escobar. I can practically hear the noise of the ferries, traffic, sewing machines, and the laughter of children entertained by Belpré’s puppet shows.

I loved the story, which is simple enough for children to absorb, but detailed enough to engage an adult. I practically appreciated the author’s note which delves a bit deeper into Belpré’s extraordinary influence.