Bibliography

Mora, Pat. 2005. Doña Flor: A Tall Tale About a Giant Woman with a Great Big Heart. Ill. by Raul Colón. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375923373

Plot Summary

Dona Flor is a large woman with a kind heart. As a child her mother sang to her which caused her to grow beyond measure. Now she too has the same magical powers to make things grow large like the plants and flowers that surround her adobe. Her size enables her to hug the wind, sleep on a bed of clouds, and cradle the villagers and animals in her arms. Even her hand-made tortillas serve as rooftops and pond floats for the villagers. She speaks the languages of all people and animals which is very helpful when she tries to find the big "gato" that has frightened everyone with it's load roar. Terrified that the puma will attack their pueblo, the villagers rely on Dona Flor to protect them. It is only when she solves the mystery of the "gato" that the villagers can live in peace.

Critical Analysis

Pat Mora brings her insider perspective to the tale of Dona Flor, one that is rich in supportive relationships, care, and friendship much like that of the Hispanic American culture. The sprinkling of Spanish terms, in the ethnocentric manner, lends a hint of Hispanic flair to the tale without overloading it for the non-Spanish readers who have no glossary or translation to consult. It is this interlingual text that sets this tale aside from being a generalized tale for any culture.

Paul Colon's Pura Belpre Award winning illustrations, in the muralist fashion, include cultural markers that link it to the Hispanic culture. Readers will notice the skin color of Dona Flor and her hair color, as well as that of her neighbors. Beyond the physical appearance of Dona Flor, Colon creates the loving character that shows care and concern for others as she cradles the animals in her arms, takes children to school riding on her back, and reads books to the villagers outside the library. Attention to detail in the architecture of the buildings accurately reflects that of a pueblo in the southwest desert area.

Awards
Pura Belpre Award-Illustrations - 2006

Review Excerpts

“A charming tall tale set in the American Southwest. Dona Flor, a giant, is a benevolent presence in her pueblo. While at first kids teased the young and large Flor, she quickly became an asset to them, whisking them off to school when they were running late or making tortillas big enough to be used as rafts on the river. The action starts when a puma is heard howling in the vicinity; the villagers are terrified and even Dona Flor can't find it. The animals know where the gato is so she follows their advice and the situation is delightfully resolved. Colon uses his signature mix of watercolor washes, etching, and litho pencils for the art. There is great texture and movement on each page in the sun-baked tones of the landscape. With Spanish words peppered throughout, this is a welcome entry to the canon that includes other heroines like Sally Ann Thunder and Thunder Rose.” School Library Journal

“Most tall tales were written long ago and featured men as main characters. This book is an excellent exception. The author and illustrator who created Tomas and the Library Lady (Knopf, 1997) have produced an easy-to-read story about a giant named Dona Flor. Her size is attributed to her mama's singing that made the corn grow as tall as trees and caused her daughter to grow and grow and grow. While Dona was teased when she was young because of her size, her willingness to help others soon turned her tormentors to fans. Her strong work ethic helps her build her own house and provide for all the animals and birds that come to her. Dona's selfless nature leads her to make tortillas every day to feed her many neighbors. When a mountain lion threatens the valley, Dona once again tames the beast and saves her people. The watercolor, etching, and pencil drawings complete a nice presentation of a new tall tale.” Library Media Connection


Connections
Readers might also consider these books by Pat Mora when conducting an author study:

Mora, Pat. The Rainbow Tulip. Ill. by Elizabeth Sayles. ISBN 978-0142500095
Mora, Pat. Tomas and the Library Lady. Ill.by Raul Colón. ISBN 978-0375803499
Mora, Pat. Birthday Basket for Tia .Ill. by Cecily Lang. ISBN 978-0689813283