Pacho Nacho
by Silvia López
illustrated by Pablo Pino
Date: 2020
Publisher: Capstone Editions
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: NetGalley
Mamá and Papá could not agree on a name for their first baby, and everyone in the family had an opinion. That's how the name Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico came to be, and Pacho's parents insisted that everyone use his full name. But when Pacho finds himself in trouble, his younger brother, Juan, must quickly find help, which isn't easy when you have to keep saying Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico. Author Silvia López highlights family values, community connections, and brotherly love in this interactive, energetic, and silly picture book. Pacho Nacho is based on an old Japanese folktale and includes Spanish words and phrases and multicultural settings.
(synopsis from Goodreads)
When I was little, a book that we frequently checked out from the library was Arlene Mosel's Tikki Tikki Tembo. My sister and I didn't know it was problematic back then; we just thought the name was funny and little Chang's predicament in trying to save his awkwardly named older brother made for a good story.
Pacho Nacho changes the setting to Mexico and gives us Pacho-Nacho-Nico-Tico-Melo-Felo-Kiko-Rico... and Juan. Gone are the mixed-up cultural references and nonsense words (Pacho Nacho's long name is apparently made up of common boys' nicknames). The story is very similar to the older Asian versions, with the elder brother becoming imperiled and the younger brother needing to get help... if only he could wrap his tongue around that name!
This book is written quite well, with a smattering of Spanish (a glossary is included at the end). And the illustrations are adorable.
Perhaps kids today will get as much enjoyment out of Pacho Nacho as previous generations did out of Tikki Tikki Tembo. And, as a bonus, they might learn a few Spanish words at the same time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Capstone Editions for providing a digital ARC.
Premise: 5/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 5/5
Originality: 4/5
Enjoyment: 5/5
Overall: 4.67 out of 5
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