Summary

There are two things a young mouse needs to learn so he can be clever and cat-proof. One, before he leaves home, he should determine who is sitting outside his hole. Two, he should stick with cheese and avoid the temptation of exquisite treats. Or what will happen to him? Years ago, schoolchildren on the border between the U.S. and Mexico memorized a Spanish poem that outlined these critical relationships between big fat felines and tender little ratties. This bilingual version of El Ratoncito Pequeno -remembered by Pipina Salas Porras and charmingly illustrated by Jose Cisneros-will help preschoolers find out for sure why a mouse shouldn't fall for a hungry cat's tricks. It will also give them a delightful introduction to the rhythms of language, both Spanish and English. Pipina Salas Porras is the daughter of parents who fled Mexico during the Revolution. She was raised in El Paso, Texas. One of 15 Hispanic women to graduate from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1946, she has been a life-long educator and activist. Pipina is a Trustee of the Freedom Forum Foundation in Arlington, Virginia-the largest foundation in the U.S. dedicated to media and first amendment issues. She is the only Hispanic on the board. From an early age, Jose Cisneros, a master with pen-and-ink, was fascinated with the history of his native Mexico. In 1985 Cisneros received the National Cowboy Hall of Fame Wrangler Award for his book of drawings of Riders Across the Centuries. In addition he was knighted by Pope Paul II and by the King of Spain, Juan Carlos, for his contribution to the understanding of history through his art. Most recently he was honored in Austin, Texas by Governor George W. Bush for his contribution to historical art in the Southwest.