Ina Cumpiano, illustrated by José Ramirez,
Quinito, Day and Night/ Quinito, día y noche
Children's Book Press, 2008.

Ages 4-8

The bold, bright colors and clever contrasts of Quinito's world bring to life the simple concept of opposites in this playful, bilingual book from the acclaimed team of Ina Cumpiano and Jose Ramirez (Quinito's Neighborhood/ El vecindario de Quinito).

Unlike many simple concept books for young children, this one features a boy observing and remarking not only on the world around him but also about his own place in it, injecting every observation with a little personality: at naptime, for example, when Clara is sleeping, we have to be very quiet. But when she wakes up, we can be very loud... until Mami tells us to hush.

The vibrant, mural-like paintings do not merely focus on the opposites explained on each page. Rather, an environment is created where the concept is part of the atmosphere. A messy room filled with toys is juxtaposed with a neat father ironing a shirt as the children play. Children can then look around the room to notice more evidence of neatness (cd's carefully stacked in towers) and messiness (a picture hanging askew).

This delightful book is a welcome departure from ordinary concept books for preschoolers. It also helps fill the increasing demand for bilingual books for very young children. Both parents and children will be refreshed by Quinito's growing awareness of his rich and beautiful environment as they get to know him and his family a little better.

Abigail Sawyer
July 2008