Pam Munoz Ryan

BIBILIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Ryan, Pam Munoz. 2001. MICE AND BEANS. Ill. by Joe Cepeda. New York: Scholastic Press.

SUMMARY

Rosa Maria is planning a birthday party for her youngest granddaughter, and there is much to do to get the house ready and prepare the food. She is not sure she will remember everything, and she thinks she keeps forgetting to set out the traps for the mice in her house. Meanwhile, the mice are making their own plans behind the scenes.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

MICE AND BEANS is a fun cumulative tale with an enjoyable story. Beginning with Sunday, Ryan describes the plans Rosa Marie is making to prepare for the birthday party. Throughout the story, the line “no dinner was complete without rice and beans!” is repeated. It is clear that Rosa Marie is worried she will forget something. Little does she know that she has little helpers working behind the scenes in her home to make sure everything is ready for the party. MICE AND BEANS is an adorable story that children will truly enjoy.

The cultural markers throughout the text naturally flow in the story. From the characters names, their Hispanic heritage becomes evident. In addition, Ryan utilizes Spanish dialog within the text, adding to the authenticity of the voice of the characters. As Rosa Marie plans and worries she says “No importa.” Ryan then provides a rough translation immediately after, and she includes it in the dialog. There is no interruption in the flow of the text, which would make this an excellent story to share during storytime. Other cultural markers include the descriptions of the food. At the party, the guests will enjoy rice and beans and enchiladas.

The illustrations in RICE AND BEANS are rich with color. The characters skin color is accurate and illustrative of their Hispanic heritage, which is another cultural maker in this picture book. Cepeda’s illustrations tell the rest of the story, showing the readers what the mice are doing to help Rosa Marie plan for the party.

Overall, MICE AND BEANS would be a wonderful selection for a read aloud. The illustrations are delightful and Rosa Marie is a fun character to share. Children of all backgrounds can relate to having a birthday party, and they will enjoy being in on the joke of the mice helping with the party.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

“The dialogue is rich in Spanish phrases ("­Qu‚ boba soy! Silly me"), descriptions of Mexican food and images of a boisterous extended family”—Publisher’s Weekly

“Cepeda's pictures are as good as the story, with bright, funny scenes depicted from human (looking down) and mouse (looking up) points of view. A delightful birthday or anytime book.”--Booklist

CONNECTIONS

**Include this book in a storytime with a “Birthday” theme.