Books with author Maria Cristina Urrutia

This unique and powerful wordless book uses striking photos to show the impact of humans on the environment. Each provocative image speaks volumes. On every spread we are shown a treasure that nature has given us beside a picture of how we’ve abused that treasure. We see a beautiful forest glade beside a devastated patch of burned-out wood, a gorgeous green parrot beside a dull-feathered caged bird, a sparkling waterfall beside a garbage-clogged river. It would take thousands of words to express the important environmental message presented by Cristina Urrutia.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the May 5, 1862 battle of Puebla, in which Mexican forces, including ordinary citizens, repelled invading French soldiers. It is a day celebrated by Mexicans and Mexican Americans as a cultural event of seminal significance. This basic introduction to Cinco de Mayo explains the history of the holiday and why it continues to resonate. Historical sources and gorgeous illustrations — including hand-colored French and Mexican engravings along with full-color photographs of a contemporary celebration — bring Cinco de May to life for young readers.

Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) is one of the most celebrated days in the Mexican calendar, but its history and significance are not often fully understood. In the mid–19th century, Mexico was in crisis. The French emperor Napoleon III, using the pretext that Mexico was not paying off its debt to European powers, decided to invade and annex it. One of the decisive battles in Mexico’s defeat of the French occurred on the fifth of May. Consequently, this day has become a symbol of Mexican pride and independence and continues to be celebrated wherever Mexicans live. In Mexico, villagers reenact the events, playing both sides. This colorful book combines historical accounts with a photographic record of one of the contemporary reenactments, in the village of San Miguel Tlaixpan, to teach children what the holiday means today. It provides a rich source for activities and role-playing that will bring this history alive.