Additional information
by C. P. Steele (Author)
Experience the heartwarming story of Papi Pedro, who recently moved to Savannah from Mexico, as he navigates challenges of adapting to a new culture, finding a job, and searching for love. But the most unexpected journey comes when Papi Pedro learns that one of his three unique cats is special enough to dance with him in the Mexican Hat Dance.
Will he choose Gus, Maria or Noël as "the Mexican Cat Dancer?" Did he choose the one being made fun of by others? Why is this cat so special?
As Papi Pedro learns the value of embracing differences, readers will also be immersed in the rich tradition of "The Mexican Hat Dance," with a link to the song itself, and be introduced to a beginning Spanish vocabulary. This is a story of acceptance, perseverance, and a little rhythmic magic!
Join Papi Pedro on his journey to overcome his challenges: he doesn't look like most of his neighbors, knows little English, has no friends in Savannah and has to find a job. He starts to learn English and he shares little tidbits of Spanish with the new friends he has made and with the young readers of this story.
The moral of the story is: being different isn't bad; it's special. With hard work, and maybe the right person to find those special qualities, being different can be very good!
Children can have fun with the kitties in their everyday adventures and even do a little dance with "The Mexican Cat Dancer" as this special cat dances to its own magical rhythm. Open the link to the song video and JOIN IN THE FUN!
"The History of the Mexican Hat Dance" is featured in the last chapter. As reference for the smattering of Beginning Spanish words and phrases included in the story, a Spanish-English Glossary is provided at the end of the book. A link to "The Mexican Hat Dance" song video is in the Prologue and in the beginning of the History chapter. This book is meant to be entertaining and instructive, teaching some Spanish and a little Mexican culture while being on a magical journey with the three cats (Gus, Maria and Noël), Papi Pedro and Linda.
This book is intended for a 6-10-year-old market, older and younger. The first four chapters are perfect for younger children and the book can be valuable to the ESL (Spanish) market up to age 12. Pre-K to Grade 2 would be the dominant market.
