Chato's Kitchen, illustrated by Susan Guevara, written by Gary Soto

 10 books from the Pura Belpre Award list (winners and honor books)

2. (1996 Winners)

For illustration:

Medal winner-Chato's Kitchen,

illustrated by Susan Guevara,

written by Gary Soto (Putnam, 1995)

About the Author:

"GARY SOTO, born in 1952 and raised in Fresno, California, is the author of thirteen poetry collections for adults, most notably NEW AND SELECTED POEMS, a finalist for both the Los Angeles Times Award and the National Book Award. He has received the Discovery-The Nation Prize and the California Library Association's John and Patricia Beatty Award [twice], in addition to fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts [twice], and the Guggenheim Foundation. For ITVS, he produced the film "The Pool Party," which received the 1993 Andrew Carnegie Medal. In 1995, for his work with young people, he was selected NBC's Person of the Week. In 1999 he was honored with the Human and Civil Rights Award from the American Education Association, the Literature Award from the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and the PEN Center West Book Award for his young-adult short story collection PETTY CRIMES. In all, his books have sold over four million copies. The Gary Soto Literary Museum is located at Fresno City College, where he got his start as a poet in the early 1970s."

- As stated on Amazon.com

Book Summary:

"Chato can't believe his luck. Not only is he the coolest low-riding cat in East L.A., but his brand-new neighbors are the plumpest, juciest, tastiest-looking family of mice to move into the barrio in a long time. So Chato and his best friend, Novio Boy, get out the pots and pans, the tortillas and the beans--everything you'd need for a welcoming feast, except for the main dish, and the guests of honor. Of course, in Chato's mind they are one and the same thing. But the mice are bringing a surprise guest of their own, who may be more than a cool cat can swallow. Also available in Spanish as Chato y su cena. "- Amazon.com

Chato's Kitchen by Gary Soto

Reviews:

"A really cool book. . . . Soto adeptly captures the flavor of life in el barrio in this amusing tale. Guevara's striking illustrations enrich the text with delightful, witty details." --School Library Journal starred review "Fresh and satisfying. . . Distinctly seasoned with the sights and sounds of East Los Angeles; the sprinkling of Spanish words and phrases adds the perfect flavor." --Horn Book

Sources:

https://www.amazon.com/Chatos-Kitchen-Gary-Soto/dp/0698116003/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Chato%27s+Kitchen%2C+illustrated+by+Susan+Guevara%2C+written+by+Gary+Soto&qid=1605410984&sr=8-1-fkmr1

https://www.amazon.com/Gary-Soto/e/B001IGUQJK?ref_=dbs_p_pbk_r00_abau_000000

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s72N2Qm-9u4