Don't Say a Word, Mama / No Digas Nada, Mama - Softcover

Joe Hayes: Joe Hayes is the author of over twenty books for children and young adults. His writing style is storytelling-tested and has its roots in the oral traditions of the American Southwest. Each summer, he delights children and adults alike with his summertime storytelling performances at Santa Fe’s Wheelwright Museum. The rest of the year finds him speaking to thousands of readers around the United States at schools, libraries, and conferences. His book Ghost Fever/Mal de Fantasma won the Texas Bluebonnet Award in 2007. Dance, Nana, Dance / Baila, Nana, Baila, his collection of folktales from Cuba, won the Aesop Prize in 2009. The New Mexico Library Association named Joe the Centennial Storyteller in 2010, a storyteller so good he only comes around once every 100 years!

STARRED REVIEW. "A sweet family tale that never turns saccharine Esau Andrade Valencia contributes highly saturated paintings that combine a folk aesthetic with magical realism This book overflows with affection and you can never have too much of that." Kirkus Reviews

"Hayes balances humor with sentiment, and abundance with a concern for privation in a way that imbues the notion of harvest with a sense of real value Perfect for readers of either language, or for language learners." The New York Times

"A funny, affectionate tale of two sisters who let their mother in on their secret gift-giving mission This bilingual tale of sisterly generosity by master storyteller Joe Hayes (Ghost Fever) brims with humor and love, while Esau Andrade Valencia's Mexican folk art matches the siblings' affection and playfulness Author and artist celebrate family and abundance in a story that will be a favorite read-aloud at harvest time or anytime." Shelf Awareness

"Children will enjoy the back and forth and will laugh at Mamá’s predicament Culturally relevant in its depiction of Latina characters, the book makes an excellent read-aloud to a broad audience. Hayes’s many fans will enjoy this story as will those looking for tales about families and goodwill among siblings." School Library Journal

"A lushly illuminated bilingual original tale with a precious moral for all times, the value of sisters sharing of carefully harvested garden bounty and love a beautiful tale of sharing plenty that is exactly what the notion of thanksgiving is about." Midwest Book Review

"[Valencia's] brush presents tomatoes so tantalizing, corn so sweet, and chiles so peppery, as to make the taste buds salivate from memories of a perfect Sinaloan posole! Join Hayes and Valencia for this delicious fare that’s both nourishing for the grumbling belly and the hungry soul." Book Dragon

Visual beauty, humor, storyline, and a moral come together in this excellent book for kids.” Molly Kincaid, Edible Baja Arizona