Tiny Travelers Puerto Rico Treasure Quest

April 15, 2020
In this new addition to the Tiny Travelers series, young armchair travelers go on a treasure hunt to the island of Puerto Rico. Following the same format as other books in the series, the book starts with a double-page map of Puerto Rico. The map includes illustrations of the objects readers will have to keep an eye out for as they read the book, as well as a few quick facts about Puerto Rico. Busy and colorful double-page spreads inform children about the island: its love for celebrations; a style of music known as "Bomba"; some of the typical foods such as "mofongo" and "arroz con gandules"; the magical experience of seeing bioluminescence in Vieques; or exploring the rainforest of "El Yunque." The information is presented in rhyming text; each page also includes a "DID YOU KNOW" tidbit, expanding on the information presented with a quick, fun extra. Readers are also directed to find a hidden object, usually depicted with "a glow" around it, though that yellow aura is not always easy to find against warm-colored backgrounds. A few words are presented in Spanish in boldface, accompanied by their phonetic pronunciations. As with the other series entries, there is a commercial side to the outing, as readers are encouraged to visit the website, where they can purchase related material. An engaging and enjoyable introduction to Puerto Rico. (Board book. 3-6)

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May 15, 2020
Preschool-G Bright colors and a cheerful energy will greet the little ones who open this enticing board book, part of the Tiny Travelers series. As the title suggests, the book welcomes readers to Puerto Rico and takes them on a tour of nine of the island's cities, highlighting a distinct piece of culture or nature in each. The bustling illustrations are exciting without being overcrowded, and each contains a seek-and-find challenge. While the littlest listeners will enjoy the vibrant artwork, the text is best suited for toddlers and preschoolers who are ready for longer books. Spanish words and phrases are set in bold and smoothly folded into the main text with pronunciations included. Did You Know? facts and maps boost the value of this fun cultural primer.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)