Kurusa

Lom the lion hated the itching that came along with his knotted mane, but he refused to follow the Soldier Bird's advice and comb his tangled curls. Eventually some Gnatters moved in, and began to exacerbate the itchiness that Lom experienced. Eventually giving in, our leonine hero discovered that his mane was so far gone that it would have to be cut off, leaving him looking like a dejected porcupine. Was this the end for Lom, or would something good come of his shorn appearance...?

Originally published in Venezuela as Lom y los nudones, and then translated into English by Elisa Amado for the Canadian publisher Groundwood Books, Lom and the Gnatters is the second book I have read from Venezuelan picture-book author Kurusa, following upon her The Streets Are Free. I found the story engaging, and appreciated the accompanying artwork from Spanish illustrator Isabel Ferrers. The story here was apparently inspired by Kurusa's comb-hating daughter, and will no doubt find an appreciative audience with young children who resist bathing and grooming time. It is to them, and to picture-book readers looking for Venezuelan titles, that I would recommend the book.… (more)

Cheo, Carlitos and Camila lived in the barrio neighborhood of San José de la Urbina, on the heights above the city of Caracas. Like children everywhere, they liked to play. Unfortunately, the crowded conditions in their neighborhood meant there really wasn't a safe and pleasant place for them to do so. Inspired by their local librarian, the children marched to City Hall, to ask the mayor to provide them with a playground. When that didn't produce much, the community itself got involved...

Originally published in 1981 in Venezuela as La Calle es Libre, this engaging story features a group of children who attempt to solve a serious problem in their lives, getting active in adult politics and community organizing in the process. Apparently Kurusa's narrative is based upon a true story, although her foreword mentions that the real children of San José de la Urbina never succeeded in getting their playground, despite all their efforts. That reality gives the story here added poignancy, I thought. The text here is rather long for a picture-book, so I'd describe The Streets Are Free more as an illustrated short story. I've been hearing about this one for a while, so I'm glad I finally had the opportunity to read it. Recommended to anyone looking for children's stories set in Venezuela, or that highlight issues of poverty and activism.… (more)