Biblioburro: A True Story from Colombia



Last updated Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Author: Jeanette Winter
Date of Publication: 2010
ISBN: 1416997784
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2018

Synopsis: Luis loves to read, but soon his house in Colombia is so full of books there's barely room for the family. What to do? Then he comes up with the perfect solution--a traveling library! He buys two donkeys--Alfa and Beto--and travels with them throughout the land, bringing books and reading to the children in faraway villages. Beautiful!

Note to readers:
•  Multicultural element (English-Spanish, "burro" -donkey, "biblioteca" - library).
•  Three Little Pigs is referenced in the story.
•  This book is based on true events.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Have you heard of Colombia? What language is spoken there? (Find it on the globe in the classroom if there is one).
•  What is a true story (verses fiction)?
•  When you think of the library, what do you imagine?

Vocabulary

•  Burro: a donkey in Spanish
•  Sturdy: solid, hard to destroy
•  Scowls: frowns/makes an angry face

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  If you had library burros,what would you name them?
•  What did Luis do in the story?
•  What kind of library was in the story?
•  Would you want to travel and share your books with other children?
•  Did you know there are real Bookmobiles that do the same thing as Luis in the story?

Craft ideas:
•  Piglet masks (Three Little Pigs)
•  Make your own Biblioburro signs (What would your sign look like?)
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2018-people-places/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!