Books with author Leo Politi

Song of the Swallows, which won the Caldecott Medal when it was first published in 1948, was written and illustrated by Leo Politi, one of Los Angeles’ most beloved artists.It tells the famous story of the yearly return of the swallows to the Mission San Juan Capistrano through the eyes of a small child. Julian, the bell ringer of the Mission, tells Juan, a young boy who also lives at the Mission, the story of the swallows and how—without anyone really knowing why or how—they return each year from their winter home in South America to San Juan Capistrano in California. Thrilled by the story, Juan makes his own small garden in the hope that at least one family of swallows will nest there when they return.This delightful book also includes the music and lyrics for “La Golondrina,” a song about the swallows that Politi composed himself, and Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout the story. This book provides a delightful introduction for young children California’s centuries-old Latino heritage and Mission culture.

This Caldecott Honor book from beloved children's book author Leo Politi, originally published in 1946, is set on Olvera Street, the site of Los Angeles' original Latino settlement, which is still preserved very much as it once was--a busy and colorful me'lange of small artisan shops, restaurants, and strolling musicians. Pedro tells of the community's Christmas tradition of the "posada," a procession that reenacts Mary and Joseph's pilgrimage to Bethlehem, and of the "piñata," a papier-mâché vessel filled with toys that children break open at the Posada's end. Pedro hopes to find a music box among the toys that will spill out of the piñata. But first, he is asked to don the red wings of an angel and lead the procession. Because he not only is costumed like an angel but also sings like one, he is asked to lead the chorus in the traditional Posada song. Music and lyrics for the song are included, and with them children may create their own Posada pageant.

Every summer, the swallows leave San Juan Capistrano and fly far away, to a peaceful green island -- but they always come back in the spring, on St. Joseph's Day. Juan loves las golondrinas, and so does his friend, Julian, the gardener at the mission. This year, Juan plants a garden in his own yard. There's nothing he wants more than for the swallows to nest there. And on St. Joseph's Day, his dream comes true. Leo Politi is the beloved author and illustrator of Pedro, The Angel of Olvera Street, among many other books for children. Song of the Swallows won the Caldecott Medal in 1950.

This delightful picture book from beloved children's book author Leo Politi, originally published in 1971, tells the story of Emmet, one of the many stray dogs taken in by old Mr. Winkel--among them, Poupee, Oscar, and Puff. Emmet was always the troublemaker of the lot, escaping from Mr. Winkel's yard to chase the neighborhood cats and snatch toys from small children. He even refused to obey the grocer's sign that clearly said, "No dogs allowed"! Tired of putting up with Emmet's energetic pranks, Mr. Winkel's neighbors are ready to call the dogcatcher when the rascally dog saves the grocer's shop from a fire set by a prowler. As in all Leo Politi's books, Emmet's adventures are richly illustrated and humorously told--and as Emmet frolics across the pages, every reader, young or old, can recall their own pesky neighborhood dogs--and even the ones in their own backyard.

Originally published in 1948 and the recipient of a Caldecott Honor, Juanita captures the atmosphere of Olvera Street, the historic Latino community in downtown Los Angeles. Juanita's parents own a small shop, or puesto, which they have named after her, and one very much like those that line Olvera Street to this day. They sell brightly colored baskets, dresses, and fine lacework-all handmade. For her fourth birthday, Juanita is dressed in a beautiful rose-colored gown and is given a white dove. On the day before Easter, Juanita takes her dove to the Old Mission Church for the annual Blessing of the Animals, along with Señora Carmela, who brings her burro, and Carlos, the leader of the procession, who brings his cow decked out in gardenias! Through his charming illustrations and text, Leo Politi captures the age-old traditions of birthdays and Easter in Los Angeles' Latino community. Music and lyrics for a Mexican birthday song and a lullaby are also included, making this a delightful introduction for young children to one of the many cultures that makes up Los Angeles and the nation.