THE THREE CABRITOS by Eric Kimmel (genre 2 book 1)

The "Three Billy Goats Gruff" are transported to the Texas-Mexico border in this original retelling of the traditional folktale.

The three musical cabritos (or young goats) decide to attend a fiesta across the bridge. As each takes a turn approaching the bridge, they are stopped by the mythical Chupacabra who proclaims that he is going to eat them up. Each brother barters for his life and outwits the hungry creature with a musical twist to rid the bridge of the Chupacabra forever.

Author Eric Kimmel weaves a story with a humorous tone that lends itself to reading aloud. Repetitive lines such as "Buenos dias, cabrito" and "Gracias, Senor Chupacabra" lend themselves to creating a voice for each character. This helps draw in young readers. The use of the Spanish language will make a connection with those familiar with the language. Audience participation can be incorporated by inviting listeners to speak along with the Chupacabra as he finishes each interaction by saying succinctly "That's Enough. You can go." This simple statement can add tone and action and will help them become a part of the story.

The illustrations by Stephen Gilpin are drawn by hand in graphite and colored in on the computer. The three cabritos are varied in size, as in the original tale, but are drawn here grinning with laid back confidence in varied colors of overalls. The potentially frightening Chupacabra is drawn to resemble a frowning blue fluff ball with tiny claws and feet. This delightful variation on the traditional folktale will will be a hit with readers of all ages!

Review Excerpts:
"There's something about Mr. Kimmel that can turn folktales, both classic and original into readaloud pleasures." -School Library Journal

"The story moves briskly, but the fat, blue chupacabra is far from frightening..." - Booklist

Connections:
*Intermingled Spanish language, along with the included glossary, make this a good story to help connect with bilingual audiences.

*Pair with other titles with a southwestern theme such as Amadilly Chilli by Helen Ketteman.

Bibliography:
Kimmel, Eric. 2007. The Three Cabritos. Ill. by Stephen Hilpin. New York: Marshall Cavendish Children. ISBN 9780761453437