by Nasario García
54 pp; 8 x 10 hardcover (22 illustrations)
ISBN 978-1-936744-47-3 $24.95 Ages 3 to 8
2016 International Latino Book Awards
Honorable Mention, Best Cover Design: Grandpa Lolo’s Matanza by Nasario Garcia, illustrated by Dolores Aragon
Honorable Mention, Best Use of Illustrations Inside Book: Grandpa Lolo’s Matanza by Nasario Garcia, illustrated by Dolores Aragon
HARDCOVER — $24.95
SOFTCOVER — $17.95
The matanza tradition in New Mexico started before New Mexico was a state. This was the way villagers fed a large family or even an entire village. The pig roasting or matanza, used the entire pig, and was a celebration. The matanza usually was held in the cool weather because there was no refrigeration.
Award-winning author, Nasario Garcia, tells the story of a matanza in his family in Northern New Mexico, through the eyes of Junie. The first book in the series, Grandma Lale’s Tamales: A Christmas Story, won many awards including the New Mexico & Arizona Book Award and the Historical Society of New Mexico Pablita Velarde Award.
The illustrations by Dolores Aragon, a Contemporary Hispanic Market artist, are fun, have the feel of New Mexican folk art, and are respectful to children dealing with this important part of New Mexican history.
Matanzas are still in practice today and are a way for all people to join in the value of food.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
NASARIO GARCÍA is an award-winning author and teacher, who documents oral histories of New Mexico. His latest books include Grandma Lale’s Tamales: A Christmas Story, Grandpa Lolo and Trampa: A Story of Surprise and Mystery, The Talking Lizard: New Mexico’s Magic & Mystery, Bernalillo: Yesterday’s Sunshine Today’s Shadows, Fe y Tragedias and An Indelible Imprint. He lives in Santa Fe with his wife.
REVIEWSNew Mexico Magazine (November 2016) —"An accomplished teller of stories rooted in the Río Puerco Valley, Garciá places Junie López, star of his previous Grandma Lale's Tamales, into a traditional family matanza. Readers will feel the autumn chill and learn all the steps required for a proper pig roast, right down to the parcelling out of meat, lard, and chicharrones to everyone who helped. Presented in both English and Spanish, the book also affords an opportunity to expand one's bilingual skills. Aragon's illustrations evoke folio-art sensibilities that invite read-aloud conversations. Don't miss the recipes at the end."
"Grandpa Lolo's Matanza" is a terrific and endearing bilingual story for young readers. . . . Dolores Aragon's illustrations are charming and attractive and complement García's text." Albuquerque Journal, July 31, 2016