Kelly reviewed The Caiman by María Eugenia Manrique
The Caiman
5 stars
The Caiman is written by María Eugenia Manrique and illustrated by Ramón París. This book was originally written in Spanish and published in Venezuela. The Caiman was translated from Spanish by Amy Brill and published by Amazon Crossing Kids, New York. The Caiman was awarded with the Banco del Libro’s “Los Mejores” award (Best Children’s Books) in Venezuela. This book is also noted for its beautiful illustrations by Ramón París, whose work has appeared on the IBBY Honor List. This is a loving story about a town watchmaker and jeweler named Faoro and his pet alligator named Night. Faoro brought the orphaned river caiman home one day after a group of children found it near the riverbank. Night became very comfortable with people as Faoro would bring her to his workshop. The neighborhood children would also come to visit with Night at the freshwater pond Faoro built for her. Faoro …
The Caiman is written by María Eugenia Manrique and illustrated by Ramón París. This book was originally written in Spanish and published in Venezuela. The Caiman was translated from Spanish by Amy Brill and published by Amazon Crossing Kids, New York. The Caiman was awarded with the Banco del Libro’s “Los Mejores” award (Best Children’s Books) in Venezuela. This book is also noted for its beautiful illustrations by Ramón París, whose work has appeared on the IBBY Honor List. This is a loving story about a town watchmaker and jeweler named Faoro and his pet alligator named Night. Faoro brought the orphaned river caiman home one day after a group of children found it near the riverbank. Night became very comfortable with people as Faoro would bring her to his workshop. The neighborhood children would also come to visit with Night at the freshwater pond Faoro built for her. Faoro even made sure to get Night’s permission before marrying his love interest Angela. Angela, Faoro, and Night enjoy life together, as a family, until a significant loss happens. This is such a beautiful story of friendship, love and loss. I think many students could relate to this book if they have also endured the loss of a loved one. This book truly offered a window into Jose Faoro’s real-life experience of his friendship with a caiman named Negro. While I did not feel like this story was specific to someone living in Venezuela, I felt like I could truly feel the importance of this friendship. The illustrations are beautiful and can transport you straight into San Fernando de Apure, Venezuela with the lush green leaves and exotic animals.
