Book Review: It's all in the Frijoles
When I was a little my father taught me a nursery rhyme called Naranja Dulce, I’d forgotten the words except for the first rhyme and was touched to find it in Yolanda Nava’s book It’s all in the Frijoles which I am now reading. Yolanda also reminded me of the children’s song Pin Pon which was taught to us in kindergarten as a way of reminding us to wash our hands and not fuss when our hair is detangled hence the rhyme: Pin Pon es un muñeco vestido de cartón se lava las manitas con agua y con jabón, se desenreda el pelo con peine de marfil y aunque se de tirones no llora ni hace asi (simulate wiping away tears).
The book is a touching collection of old sayings (refranes), poems by such greats as Pablo Neruda and anecdotes by various outstanding Latino figures. It’s a quick way to reconnect with ones culture. I’m keeping it on my bedside so I can read a bit before I close my eyes for some inspiration and nostalgia.
Paula
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