Origins of Cinco de Mayo Many people believe that May 5 is the anniversary of the Mexican independence. But they're mistaken, for the Mexican Independence Day is September 16. Find out the real reason the 5th of May is celebrated at http://spanish.about.com/library/weekly/aa050100b.htm Cinco de Mayo History On the morning of May 5, 1862 4,000 Mexican soldiers smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, 100 miles east of Mexico City. It took 11 years before the first Spanish soldiers were forced to leave Mexico. Find out more history at http://www.vivacincodemayo.org/history.htm Mexican Holidays: Cinco de Mayo The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The Fifth Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, but is also celebrated in other parts of the country and in U.S.cities with a significant Mexican population. More information on the history and cultures of Mexico can be found at www.mexonline.com To learn more about the history of the holiday and also arts and crafts appropriate to Cinco de Mayo, go to http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Holidays/Cinco/ Reviews Fiestas: A Year of Latin American Songs of Celebration Jose-Luis Orozco Illustrated by Elisa Kleven     Some of the most beautiful childhood songs of Latin America are compiled in this brilliant book written by Orozco. He is committed to helping Latin families to rediscover the pleasure of family participation in musical activities occurring within the context of Holiday Celebrations. It brings to life these Latin celebrations and traditions throughout the year and invites the reader to get up and dance and sing with joy. On each page there is a song with lyrics in both Spanish and English, and arrangements for guitar, piano and voice, as well as a little history behind the song. This approach encourages the actual experience of music rather than just educational information about it. The colorful illustrations by Elisa Kleven, combined with her whimsical borders, offer pleasure to the eye and match what Jose-Luis Orozco is trying to express and share about the rich and colorful Spanish culture and what it has to offer. 2002, Dutton Children's Books, $17.99. Ages 2 to 8 Reviewer: Blandina Orce ISBN: 0-525-45937-5 Cinco De Mayo: Celebrating Hispanic Pride Carol Gnojewski     Most people have heard of Cinco de Mayo. Anyone with elementary Spanish can even tell you what it means, the 5th of May. Few people know why it is celebrated, or why it is important to Mexican heritage. It is not just an excuse for restaurants to advertise. On May 5,1862, Mexico went to war with France. France was owed money by the Mexican government and had decided to take over Mexico in payment. Although the French army was larger, the Mexican army was more familiar with the territory. This gave them enough of an advantage over the French to win. This battle is known as the Battle of Puebla. Although it took three long years for the Mexicans to be rid of the French, it is this battle that is remembered. This book, the latest in Enslow's "Finding Out About Holidays" series, is a good introduction to the holiday. The descriptions of Mexican history are simple and easy to understand. In addition to Cinco de Mayo, the book also highlights other aspects of Mexican culture including language. At the back of the book are a glossary, index and a project to complete. The only negative thing about the book is that it seems to wander from subject to subject. While it is easy to read as a reference book, it is hard to read from cover to cover. 2002, Enslow Publishers, 18.95, Ages 9 to 12 Reviewer: Heather Robertson ISBN: 0-7660-1575-0 Cinco de Mayo Lola M. Schaefer     One way to understand a different culture is to learn about its holidays. A straightforward text and plenty of full-color pictures explain the history of Cinco de Mayo, the commemoration of the victory of the Mexican army over the French army on May 5, 1862. Many people of Mexican descent celebrate this holiday with parades, dancing, singing and delicious food, and the celebration might include a piata filled with goodies. The closing pages contain a short glossary, a few books and Internet sites and a word list/index. Part of the "Holidays and Celebratrions" series. 2001, Pebble Books/Capstone, $13.25, Ages 4 to 7 REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-7368-0661-X Cinco de Mayo: A Mexican Holiday about Unity and Pride James Garcia     If you have heard of this Mexican holiday, but were not sure why it is celebrated then this book will be most illuminating. It gives a history that is easily understood-the 5th of May was the date when the Mexicans who were far outnumbered defeated the invading French forces in the town of Puebla. It is not the day of Mexican independence nor does it really mark the end of the war with France. It is a day that is remembered because brave people stood up for freedom against overwhelming odds. In Mexico the celebrations are more focused on remembering the battle and those who lost their lives. It is still a time of singing, dancing and an opportunity to enjoy delicious food. In the United State with its large Hispanic communities in several major cities the holiday has taken on the trapping of a festival with many participants not really understanding the significance of the celebration. This book makes it all clear and also offers recipes and ideas for celebrations. The full color pictures show off the costumes and the book is right up to date with a picture of President George W. Bush and his wife hosting the first Cinco de Mayo celebration at the White House. There is even a recap of his speech. There is a timeline, glossary, list of books and web sites as well as the sources used by the author and an index. A book that should be in school and public libraries. Part of the series "A Proud Heritage." 2003, Child's World, Ages 8 up, $19.95 REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 1-56766-174-2 Cinco de Mayo Mary Dodson Wade    This entry in the "Rookie Read-About Holidays" book opens with colorful pictures of parades, dancers and celebrations relating to Cinco de Mayo. Then it explains the origin of the holiday when President Benito Juarez stopped paying the debts his country owed because it was so poor.. The leader of France was not happy and he decided that he wanted his money and Mexico. A fierce battle took place at Puebla and the underarmed and smaller Mexican force prevailed over the powerful invading army. To commemorate the bravery of the Mexican fighters, President Juarez mad the date of this battle (May 5th) a holiday. It is now celebrated in Mexico and the United States which has a very large Mexican population. It is a day when people eat Mexican foods, dance and take pride in their heritage. The book contains a picture glossary entitled "Words You Know and also has an index and a brief write-up about the author. It is a good introduction to this Mexican holiday and perfect for school or classroom libraries. 2003, Children's Press, Ages 5 to 7, $19.00 REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-516-22664-9 ISBN: 0-516-27489-9 Cinco de Mayo Aurora Colon Garcia    The straightforward text with many colorful illustrations introduces readers to this Mexican and now Mexican-American holiday. On May 5th Mexicans celebrate their pride in their country and heritage and their freedom. There is mention o the battle of Puebla and even a picture of today's reenactment of the battle. The Mexicans won that day against very great odds. This book points out that the Mexicans once free from Spain were not really a united country and they ended up in a war with the United States. They owed money to many countries including France. Napoleon III wanted his payment and he wanted to control Mexico. A war began and at Puebla General Zaragonza and his army stopped the French. There is a glossary, index and a list of three more books to read. While this book appears to be very simple, it actually provides a better understanding of the political situation than many of the others about Cinco de Mayo that are aimed at young readers. It is a good choice for a library and can be supplemented with one or more of the other books about the holiday to get a fuller picture. 2003, Heineman Library, Ages 6 to 9, $22.79 REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 1-4034-3501-4 ISBN: 1-4034-3686-X Cinco de Mayo Alice K. Flanagan    This Mexican holiday has become one that has spread over the border and not just to the states that are contiguous to Mexico, but to areas in the United States where there are large concentrations of Mexican Americans. As most other books about this holiday, there is information about its origins-the story of the battle at Puebla and the bravery of a rag tag Mexican army under the leadership of Benito Juarez. The difference in this book is a look further back into Mexican history to get a better understanding of the three major groups that lived there-Maya, Aztek and the Tolteca. The brief history then moves quickly to the Spanish occupation in the 1500s and the borrowing of money by the Mexicans from the French. When they couldn't repay their debt, the French invaded to take control of the country. The Mexican people struggle for five years but eventually won their freedom and when Benito Juarez became President he made May 5th the date of the battle at Pueblo, a national holiday. Some of the foods, music, dances and other festivities are describes as well as the way that Chicanos (Mexican Americans) celebrate this holiday. There is a glossary (difficult words are spelled out phonetically in the text) and there is a section where readers can learn more. It includes books, web sites and museums. There is also an index and a very brief bio of the author and illustrator. 2004, Compass Point, Ages 6 to 10, $22.60 REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-7565-0480-5 Cinco de Mayo Mary Dodson Wade    This entry in the "Rookie Read-About Holidays" book opens with colorful pictures of parades, dancers and celebrations relating to Cinco de Mayo. Then it explains the origin of the holiday when President Benito Juarez stopped paying the debts his country owed because it was so poor.. The leader of France was not happy and he decided that he wanted his money and Mexico. A fierce battle took place at Puebla and the underarmed and smaller Mexican force prevailed over the powerful invading army. To commemorate the bravery of the Mexican fighters, President Juarez mad the date of this battle (May 5th) a holiday. It is now celebrated in Mexico and the United States which has a very large Mexican population. It is a day when people eat Mexican foods, dance and take pride in their heritage. The book contains a picture glossary entitled "Words You Know and also has an index and a brief write-up about the author. It is a good introduction to this Mexican holiday and perfect for school or classroom libraries. BIBLIO: 2003, Children's Press, Ages 5 to 7, $19.00. REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-516-22664-9 ISBN: 0-516-27489-9 Cinco de Mayo Kieran Walsh    Part of the "Holidays and Celebrations" series this book is aimed at a younger audience that a book with the same title that is part of the "Proud Heritage" series by Child's World. It states the reason for the holiday-the anniversary of the date when the Mexicans won a great battle against the French, but there is no other background as to why and what ensued after that battle until page 16. The focus initially is on the celebration itself, dancing, mariachi bands, food, and games. Then kid learn a bit about the history and the battle. The book concludes with President George W. Bush and his wife hosting the first Cinco de Mayo celebration at the White House and a page stating that the battlefield is now a park. There is a glossary for the words bolded in the text, an index, list of three very current books, websites and a blub about the author. BIBLIO: 2003, Rourke, Ages 5 to 8, $19.27. REVIEWER: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 1-58952-221-4 Cinco de Mayo Lola M. Schaefer    One way to understand a different culture is to learn about its holidays. A straightforward text and plenty of full-color pictures explain the history of Cinco de Mayo, the commemoration of the victory of the Mexican army over the French army on May 5, 1862. Many people of Mexican descent celebrate this holiday with parades, dancing, singing and delicious food, and the celebration might include a piata filled with goodies. The closing pages contain a short glossary, a few books and Internet sites and a word list/index. Part of the "Holidays and Celebratrions" series. 2001, Pebble Books/Capstone, $13.25. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-7368-0661-X Cinco De Mayo : Celebrating Hispanic Pride Carol Gnojewski.    Most people have heard of Cinco de Mayo. Anyone with elementary Spanish can even tell you what it means, the 5th of May. Few people know why it is celebrated, or why it is important to Mexican heritage. It is not just an excuse for restaurants to advertise. On May 5,1862, Mexico went to war with France. France was owed money by the Mexican government and had decided to take over Mexico in payment. Although the French army was larger, the Mexican army was more familiar with the territory. This gave them enough of an advantage over the French to win. This battle is known as the Battle of Puebla. Although it took three long years for the Mexicans to be rid of the French, it is this battle that is remembered. This book, the latest in Enslow's "Finding Out About Holidays" series, is a good introduction to the holiday. The descriptions of Mexican history are simple and easy to understand. In addition to Cinco de Mayo, the book also highlights other aspects of Mexican culture including language. At the back of the book are a glossary, index and a project to complete. The only negative thing about the book is that it seems to wander from subject to subject. While it is easy to read as a reference book, it is hard to read from cover to cover. 2002, Enslow Publishers, 18.95. Ages 9 to 12. Heather Robertson ISBN: 0-7660-1575-0 Fiestas: A Year of Latin American Songs of Celebration Jose-Luis Orozco Illustrated by Elisa Kleven    Some of the most beautiful childhood songs of Latin America are compiled in this brilliant book written by Orozco. He is committed to helping Latin families to rediscover the pleasure of family participation in musical activities occurring within the context of Holiday Celebrations. It brings to life these Latin celebrations and traditions throughout the year and invites the reader to get up and dance and sing with joy. On each page there is a song with lyrics in both Spanish and English, and arrangements for guitar, piano and voice, as well as a little history behind the song. This approach encourages the actual experience of music rather than just educational information about it. The colorful illustrations by Elisa Kleven, combined with her whimsical borders, offer pleasure to the eye and match what Jose-Luis Orozco is trying to express and share about the rich and colorful Spanish culture and what it has to offer. 2002, Dutton Children's Books, $17.99. Ages 2 to 8.Blandina Orce ISBN: 0-525-45937-5 Kids' Holiday Fun : Great Family Activities Every Month Of The Year Penny Warner Illustrated by Kathy Rogers.    Who would have thought to make personalized Passover place cards out of homemade matzo? Ever wonder where to get a recipe for "Dracula's blood" on Halloween? Do you ever scratch your head wondering how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, Juneteenth, or Columbus Day? The Kids' Holiday Fun book answers these questions and more. Instructions on celebrating over 30 holidays including all the standard ones plus Bastille Day, Chinese New Year, and Earth Day (to name a few). Listed in chronological order, Penny Warner describes each holiday for us, then provides celebration ideas from decorations to songs to recipes. Her activities go from easy to challenging, but her style is constantly warm and encouraging. A great book to add to your bookshelves. 1994, Meadowbrook Press, $12.00. Ages All. Reviewer: Deborah Zink Roffino ISBN: 0-8816-6214-3 May Robyn Brode    As with the other books in the "Months of the Year" series, Brode introduces young readers to some of the characteristics, events and activities in the month of May. First readers learn that it is the fifth month of the year and that it has 31 days. Since May is part of the spring months, and some of the characteristic such as a playing outside are featured in the full-color pictures. May 1st is also known as May Day and in earlier centuries it was a great time to celebrate and dance around a maypole. Cinco de Mayo is another holiday that is great fun when those of Mexican heritage celebrate their culture. This is a month that has several more holidays including Mother's Day which is the second Sunday of the month and Memeorial Day which comes at the very end of the month. During the latter, we remember the men and women who lost their lives in ward. The month of May is followed by June and that means summer will begin. A calendar showing the months of the year and the seasons wraps up the text. Some of the pages have rhetorical questions, which rather than making it interactive take away from the book. There is a three-word glossary that recaps three of the holidays. 2003, Weekly Reader, Ages 4 to 7, $18.60. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-8368-3590-8 Piņatas and Smiling Skeletons : Celebrating Mexican Festivals Zoe Harris and Suzanne Williams Illustrated by Yolanda Garfias Woo    Here's an excellent resource for teachers or parents who seek background information for discussing or celebrating Mexican holidays. The book explores the culture and history behind each of these unique national festivals. Activities, recipes, and crafts are included, along with a glossary for the Spanish words used in the text. 1998, Pacific View Press, $19.95. Ages Adult. C. Henebry (Parent Council Volume 6) ISBN: 1-88189-619-6 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Added 4/30/03