Annal:2005 Golden Kite Picture Book Text Award

Doña Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart

Pat Mora, Raúl Colón

• 2006 Belpré–illustration winner
• 2005 Golden Kite-picturebook text winner
• 2006 Belpré–narrative honor*
• Score: 20.56

Doña Flor is a giant woman who lives in a puebla with lots of families. She loves her neighbors–she lets the children use her flowers for trumpets, and the families use her leftover tortillas for rafts. So when a huge puma is terrifying the village, of course Flor is the one to investigate.

Featuring Spanish words and phrases throughout, as well as a glossary, Pat Mora's story, along with Raúl Colón's glorious artwork, makes this a treat for any reader, tall or small.

Grandmama's Pride

Becky Birtha, Colin Bootman

• 2005 Golden Kite-picturebook text honor
• Score: 6.55

Every summer, Mama, Sister, and Sarah Marie take the bus down south to visit Grandmama. The three of them sit in the back of the bus, because, as Mama says, it is the best seat. Later, on a walk into town, the girls don't drink from the water fountain because Grandmama says she'll make fresh lemon-mint iced tea when they get home. Throughout the summer, Aunt Maria teaches Sarah Marie how to read. Then Sarah Marie notices signs in town she hadn't been able to read before.