- in Children's
- review by Julia Rothman
- on February 27, 2008
- comments by 9 readers
Support BBIC
Donate $25 (or more) and get The Where, the Why and the How from Chronicle Books.
find out more
Mi Familia
A couple of weeks ago Daniel Nesquens wrote me to tell me of the work of Elisa Arguile. Turns out Daniel is a Spanish children’s book author and Elisa has illustrated many of his books. So yesterday a package came from their publisher Anaya with three of their books. Mi Familia is my favorite of the three and I suppose I am not alone on that- it won Premio Nacional de Illustracion in 2007. This book seems to be for older children because it’s a chapter book. I can make out some of the Spanish since the sentences seem fairly simpler than an adult novel. But more exciting are the illustrations between each chapter which are portraits of the family members described in the book. The style is so funny- everyone’s head has been shrunken a bit and is well molded compared to their flat bodies wearing patterned clothes. Some nice wood texture is used to define doors and wall frames and if you’re a modern furniture buff you’ll appreciate the furniture. My favorite part of the book is that in the center there’s a big fold-out of what seems to be everyone in the family- what a cast (see pic on homepage). So I’m going to have to break out the ole’ Spanish-English dictionary and give this one a shot because the illustrations definitely make me wonder what these people are about. Apparently Elisa doesn’t have a website of work but you can find more images of this book here and contact the publisher to get a copy. Stay tuned for the other two books next week.
carmen wrote
This is such an awesome book. Text is very funny and clever, it reminds me somehow of Wes Anderson films. But Elisa’s illustrations are so beautiful, the collage work and design of characters, wow.. this is one of my favourite spanish illustrated books. It’s a pity that she doesn’t have a site or blog!
February 27, 2008 2:34pmEsti wrote
I love this book! I was so happy when she won the National Prize. My daughters and I have ejoyed many good moments going through this. It’s worth checking.
February 28, 2008 4:22amJessica wrote
love this book – you always pick the best childrens’ books.
February 29, 2008 3:27pmValentina wrote
I know this book and it’s really great… I like too much the couple Nesquens-Arguilé. Do you know “Hasta (casi) 100 bichos”? Look at it!
March 6, 2008 12:00pmLUCIA K wrote
Elisa ilustra como nadie.
Adoro a Nesquens.
Mi familia es un magnÃfico libro
Fantastic book
April 3, 2008 10:36amLuciano Lozano wrote
beautiful illustrations. And the author is also one of my favourite ones. Good election :)
April 28, 2008 3:11pmjulie wrote
where can i buy this book? can anyone help?
August 6, 2008 10:37amRichi wrote
You can buy it in:
http://www.anayainfantilyjuvenil.com/
September 8, 2008 9:21amsfer wrote
The illustrations are awesome, and I also reccomend you to check “Hasta (casi) 100 bichos”, although I must say I’m partial to the text (in both cases). Nesquens is a genius!!
January 27, 2009 2:39pm