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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....
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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....
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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....
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