Under the Mango Tree: Stories from Spanish Speaking Countries

Rating:
Summary: Positively delightful!
Review: Elida Bonet is an amazing storyteller. She uses English and Spanish to invite children into wonderful tales from Latin America. The first time my children heard the tape they were clinging to every word. Every time that they have heard it since, they have joined her in the marvelous storytelling. They exaggerate when she exaggerates. They laugh and play with the language when she does. They especially love Juan Bobo who follows directions but just can't "get it right." They love this tape!

Rating:
Summary: She's my mom!!!!
Review: Elida Bonet is my mom!!! This is her first tape, and a great one it is! It has recieved 2 awards! People everywhere have enjoyed the stories. The last thing I want to say is that I think my mom is wonderful!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected.
Review: I had wanted a story in Spanish so my baby could listen to spoken Spanish. Instead I got Spanish and English woven together. That will not help her key in on the sounds of Spanish. Maybe it will be good later when she already has a good grasp of English.

Rating:
Summary: Think before you buy
Review: I purchased this tape to share with my Pre-K class. The author tells authentic tales and has a wonderful voice (gift!) for oral storytelling. However, I decided not to share this tape with my class for several reasons: First, the protagonist is named Juan Bobo a.k.a. John Dumb. I didn't want my four year olds to run home and tell Mom they are learning about Bobos and being dumb. Second, The story La cucarachita Mandinga ends with the husband (rat) being killed in a stewpot and the wife is crying over him. Not a happy picture for a young listener. Also, the tale Gallo y Su Moneda repeats the phrase "I'm going to kill you!" To be honest, I couldn't even listen to the second side of this tape. Consider your audience before sharing it.

Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected.
Review: Ms. Bonet has given us an incredible gift. Her animated style of storytelling infects you with excitement. My kids and I listen to the tape often when we are traveling around town. She is the best that we have heard and we just want more!

Rating:
Summary: A must have for every child
Review: Ms. Bonet has given us an incredible gift. Her animated style of storytelling infects you with excitement. My kids and I listen to the tape often when we are traveling around town. She is the best that we have heard and we just want more!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent tape
Review: We especially loved your story "under the mango tree" It brought back many pleasant memories about our childhood in Panama. Boy were those some good Mangos.