Pedrito's Day

Anne Hutchings is an elementary-school teacher-librarian with the Durham
Board of Education.

Every day at the market, Pedrito’s mother, Tia Paula, sells the
tortillas and tamales grandmother makes, while Pedrito shines shoes. He
hopes that one day he will have enough money to buy his dream
bicycle—sky blue with firm wheels, a tan leather seat, and a straw
basket for carrying things. One day Tia Paula sends Pedrito to get some
change. Pedrito is waylaid by the big boys and invited to play soccer.
Predictably, he loses the money Tia has given him. Should he lie—say
he was robbed or that a bird snatched it from his hand—or just run
away? After much soul-searching, Pedrito knows what he must do, even
though it means that his dream of owning a bicycle may have to be
postponed.

The themes of honesty, bravery, and accepting responsibility for
one’s actions make this book

a welcome addition to any library for use by primary-grade children.
Despite its simplistic plot, the book could be used by junior-grade
students to supplement the curriculum unit dealing with Mexico.
Garay’s illustrations, while colorful, are in some instances rather
flat and lifeless. For example, in one illustration that should depict
Pedrito as miserable, he appears emotionless. Recommended with
reservations.