Fonchito y la luna / Fonchito and the Moon
Books for children and young readers , 2010
Santillana
Pages: 48
Fonchito is dying to kiss Nereida, the prettiest girl in his class, but she’s imposed one condition: she’ll kiss him on the cheek if he brings down the moon and give it to her...
A good first step into the world of Mario Vargas Llosa, through this picture book for young children. Illustrated by Marta Chicote.
"It is well worth noting, that every step of the way, Fonchito asks for permission, obeys Nereida’s dictates, and never presses his case. Even after he fulfills her request, it is Nereida who gives the final permission, casting this tale perhaps less as one of dedication and more about consent. The stylized curves within the art lend the book a sinuous continuity, while clever problem-solving proves to be far more effective than any ladder to the skies. Heavenly bodies are all well and good, but this tale of permission asked and granted is worth more than the moon." Kirkus Review