Cinco De Mayo

Resumen del Libro

Cinco de Mayo is the first artist book that I have created. It is part of an edition of 4 books and I finished the artist book in the summer of 2013. My artist book is a continuation of a series of (off set printing) bilingual childrens books written by Dr. George Rivera, and illustrated by me. George Rivera wrote the story about Cinco de Mayo using the three characters that have appeared in all of our childrens books. I created the artwork with (solar etchings) depicting events in the narrative. Our past collaboration (childrens books) has resulted in the publication of four childrens books: Cholo in the Clouds with Sky (2009), Who Am I? (2005), Aztec Adventures Days of the Dead (1998), and A Migrant Childs Dream (1994). These books describe the adventures of a little boy, Pano, and his two dogs, Cholo and Vato. In these books, Dr. Rivera and I promote self-awareness and literacy in English and Spanish via characters and events with which children and adults can identify. The author George Rivera and I are both Hispanic and bilingual. We have a reputation in the local Hispanic community as author and illustrator of bilingual books for children. Our goal is to continue to write, illustrate, publish and exhibit a new book written for elementary school children that explains what Cinco de Mayo is and why Mexican and Mexican Americans celebrate it on May 5th. Most Hispanics know something about Cinco de Mayo and the events surrounding the famous battle, but their children know very little about the reason why this event is celebrated here in the United States. Children understand the Fourth of July, but they do not know much about Cinco de Mayo. Without the knowledge about the significance of this event, their unique history and culture as people of Mexican descent is minimized. Our books contain Latino/Chicano experiences that allow Latino children to develop understanding and pride of their culture and history which promotes self-acceptance. In addition, our…