Plot Summary:

Niño battles the baddies from Mexican folklore in traditional Luchador style during “quiet-time” in the playroom. “No opponent is a challenge for [his] cunning skills…” but what will happen when the dreaded Las Hermanitas wake from their nap?!

Critical Analysis:

Yuyi Morales introduces lucha libre and traditional folklore bad guys in this colorful, imagination filled adventure with Niño. Meet the contenders in the book flap descriptions and learn about their “Lucha style.” Each page has comic book style onomatopoeia (Fwap!, Slish!, Bloop!) and bright primary color illustrations as Niño triumphs over La Momia de Guanajuato, Cabeza Olmeca, La Llorona, El Extraterrerestre, El Chamuco, and the most dreaded Las Hermanitas as they wake from their nap! The bold capitalized font that announces each match begs to be voiced by any Lucha announcer in a booming voice. This book is a fun for all to read.

Review Excerpts:

Pura Belpre Award 2014

School Library Journal – “Not only are her books hilarious, cheeky, and beautiful all at once, but she brings a perspective that we simply do NOT see.”

Kirkus Reviews – “She uses a graphic approach reminiscent of a comic book, with speech bubbles and sound effects, a smart choice for moving along the action of the plot.”

Connections:

*Lead a discussion on folklore from other cultures.

*Have students create their own onomatopoeia words.

*Explore other titles by Yuyi Morales

Morales, Y. (2021). Bright Star. Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9780823443284

Morales, Y. (2018). Just In Case: A Trickster Tale and Spanish Alphabet Book. Square Fish. ISBN 9781250188496