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Dona Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman With a Great Big Heart


BIBLIOGRAPHY
Mora, P. and Colon, R. (2005). Dona Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman With a Great Big Heart. (Big Edition). Knopf Books for Young Readers. ISBN-10: 0375823379.

PLOT SUMMARY
Pat Mora entices young readers in a creative, imaginative, cultural, and meaningful story about a giant woman in Dona Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman With a Great Big Heart. The story incorporates bilingual elements to capture the interest of children. The story is about a giant woman, respectfully called Dona Flor, which has grown an immense height due to her mother’s love and care. Dona Flor has learned to live with her unique height despite struggling with her differences as a child. Once she became an adult, people loved and respected her because she had proved to have a giant heart. Dona Flor cared for nature, animals, and humans. Her language was universal. She could communicate with all types of animals, and nature was on her favor. Everything was beautiful in her world until conflict presents itself when her beloved town is terrified of a puma on the loose. Dona Flor is brave enough to go in search of the puma and ends up befriending the lonely animal. Dona Flor becomes the hero of the town and restores the peace.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Raul Colon captivates readers with charming, soft, and heartwarming illustrations. The illustrations are sweet and inviting for young readers. The collaboration between Mora and Colon is a perfect combination for children’s literature. Mora’s use of exaggerations and figurative language helps readers explore further more into their imaginations. Mora’s use of Spanish words and phrases creates the cultural tone and Colon’s illustration of a Mexican pueblo set the mood. The story in its entirety exemplifies true kindness and compassion. Mora’s development of the character of Dona Flor proves that non-violence can lead to perfect resolutions.

EXCERPTS
GOODREADS: “Featuring Spanish words and phrases throughout, as well as a glossary, Pat Mora’s story, along with Raúl Colón’s glorious artwork, makes this a treat for any reader, tall or small.”
BOOKLINKS: “Mora's poetic text is sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases, and Colon's whimsical scratchboard art adds an uplifting tine to this satisfying tale.”

CONNECTIONS
*Students create their own tall-tales with inspiration from Pat Mora’s story. Students are encouraged to use their imagination (the sky is the limit).


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