Green is a Chili Pepper: A Book of Colors



Last updated Sunday, July 28, 2019

Author: Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Illustrator: John Parra
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 1452102031
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Aug. 2019

Synopsis: In this lively picture book, children discover a world of colors all around them: red is spices and swirling skirts, yellow is masa, tortillas, and sweet corn cake. Many of the featured objects are Latino in origin, and all are universal in appeal. With rich, boisterous illustrations, a fun-to-read rhyming text, and an informative glossary, this playful concept book will reinforce the colors found in every child's day!

Discussion topics:
•  What are your favorite foods?
•  What colors are your favorite foods?

Vocabulary

•  ristra - an arrangement of drying chile pepper pods, garlic bulbs, or other vegetables for later consumption.
•  rojo - red
•  adornos - decorations
•  abuela - grandmother
•  calaveras - a representation of a human skull.The term is most often applied to edible or decorative skulls made (usually by hand) from either sugar (called Alfeñiques) or clay which are used in the Mexican celebration of the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) and the Roman Catholic holiday All Souls' Day.
•  Baile Folklorico - a collective term for traditional Mexican dances that emphasize local folk culture with ballet characteristics - pointed toes, exaggerated movements, highly choreographed.

Craft ideas:
•  Help kids make (or make ahead of time) frames by cutting a square/rectangle/oval out of the center of a page and attach it to another sheet of contrasting color.
•  Draw a picture of your favorite colorful foods & decorate the frame, too.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/august-2019-arts-and-entertainment/green-is-a-chile-pepper-a-book-of-colors/

*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!