Sebi and the Land of Cha Cha Cha

Written by Roselyn Sanchez and Eric Winter
Illustrated by Nivea Ortiz
Published in 2017

Why we chose this book:
This is one of our library's new acquisitions; the cover and art and title caught my attention. We took it home without even opening it and the whole family loved it! T wanted it at snack time, dinner time, after dinner, and then again as a bed time story!

Mom's Review

Sebi, a young girl watching El Carnaval Latino with her family and a friend, learns various Latin dances.

When Sebi and her friend Keeke watch the costumed adult dancers, they express a desire to learn to dance. Sebi's mother tells her that she can take lessons when she is older, but a lovely green bird beckons the children to the "Land of Cha Cha Cha," where they learn several dances from talking animals. When they hear Sebi's mother calling, they return and show off their new dance moves.

I loved this book for several reasons. First and foremost, the vibrant colors and fluid lines made the illustrations seem to truly dance. Second, the story was a fun way for children to learn about different Latin dances. And finally, the authors incorporated Spanish words in such a way that even someone who cannot speak Spanish, like myself, can understand and introduce at least a few words to her/his child.

Son's Review
(age 2 years and 11 months)

Mom: What did you think, did you like it?

Son: It's really fantastic!

Mom: Was there anything funny in the book?

Son: How the monkeys talk.

Mom: What was your favorite part?

Son: The artwork is really beautiful.


Tomorrow's plan: read it again, watch some dance videos on YouTube, and try to dance the cha cha cha, the samba, and the merengue!