Chato and the Party Animals by Gary Soto

This vibrantly colored children's book written by Gary Soto and illustrated by Susan Guevara, can be read independently by children starting around 2nd grade. However, it can be enjoyed by children of all ages. This book follows the lives of a cat, Chato and his best friend, Novio Boy. Chato, a free spirited cat who loves to party soon realizes that his best friend Novio Boy, does not love to party as much as he does. Novio Boy grew up in a pound so he has never had a birthday before. Being the great friend he is, Chato decides to throw a birthday party for Novio Boy and has everything prepared when he realizes he forgot to invite the most important person: Novio Boy! The guests go searching for their birthday boy, but cannot find him. They become very sad and start talking of all the times they had with Novio Boy, when Novio Boy surprises them by showing up with two of his other friends. The friends all enjoy the party and it is Novio Boy's best birthday party yet!

We believe this book is culturally authentic first and foremost because of the language used throughout the book. From the beginning of the book right through until the end, common Spanish words are woven through the mostly English text. Because the words are used in context, it is fairly easy to understand what the Spanish words mean. However, in case the readers still do not know what the words used throughout the book mean, at the very beginning of the book there is a glossary so the reader can check the meaning of the Spanish words. This book is also authentic because it accurately depicts life in 'el barrio,' or a Mexican neighborhood. In Stories Matter (2003), Susan Guevara, the illustrator, states that her curiosity led her to the East Los Angeles projects and helped her record "the detail of the neighborhoods, the slouch of the vendor, the bounce of a child, the duty of a mother, every bit I could suck up from a brief couple of visits" (p. 55) needed to create the pictures for this book.

This book can be used in the classroom in many ways. Like What Can You Do with a Paleta?, this book can be used to introduce new Spanish words. Also, the theme of this book: be kind to your friends, is one that young children can gain a lot from. Before reading, teachers can talk to children about communities. The teachers can encourage children to share what their neighborhoods and communities are like. During reading, teachers can talk to children about what makes Chato a good friend and discuss the different things the children have done for their friends. After reading, children could compare and contrast the difference between a common Mexican barrio like the one in Chato and the Party Animals and an American neighborhood such as the one they live in. Fox, D.L. & Short, K. G. (2003). Stories matter:The complexity of cultural authenticity in children's literature. Illinois: National Council of Teachers of English.