A Gift from Papa Diego: Un Regalo de Papa Diego

""A border is nothing for people who love,"" Papa Diego tells his young grandson, also named Diego, in this engaging, bilingual picture-book debut by American Book Award winner Saenz. Diego's birthday is coming, and he longs to see his Papa Diego, who lives far away in Chihuahua, Mexico. He knows his grandfather is old and that it's hard to cross the border. Diego fantasizes about flying there in his new Superman suit, until he walks into the kitchen and finds his beloved grandpa waiting for him. The artwork isn't quite on par with this fine text. Children's book newcomer Garcia employs terra-cotta clay painted with acrylics to create the homey illustrations and page borders. While the clay medium gives the artwork a three-dimensional quality, it does not allow for much subtlety in facial expressions, and there are some minor inconsistencies in the way the characters are portrayed from spread to spread. Despite this, readers--bilingual or not--will likely enjoy this emotionally satisfying family story. A glossary is included. Ages 5-10. (Apr.)