Module 5: Chato's Kitchen by Gary Soto

BOOK COVER IMAGE:

BOOK SUMMARY: 

"Chato's Kitchen" by Gary Soto involves a sly cat named Chato, living in the barrio, who formulates a plan to invite a new family of rats over for dinner.  Unbeknownst to the rodents, Chato intends to eat the family for his dinner.  Despite his concoction, he and his friend, Novio Boy, cook up a feast made of tortillas, guacamole and frijoles.  The family asks if they can bring their friend Chorizo as well, to which, Chato is all to eager as it means an additional piece of meal.  When the mice arrive on Chorizo, Chato and Novio Boy are terrified because Chorizo is a dog.  A change of plans, ends the story with all sitting down for a wonderful dinner.    

APA REFERENCE OF BOOK: 

Soto, G., (1995).  Chato's kitchen. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

IMPRESSIONS: 

A former barrio resident, I am familiar with Gary Soto's text because it is the language of my childhood.  Chato's Kitchen reminds me of many residents of my neighborhood, with their Spanglish accents and need to be "cool."  This book is true to the kind of conversations one would hear should they venture into any barrio across the United States.  Soto's use of vivid details like the tortillas and guacamole both paint a beautiful image of the kitchen as well as brings rumbles to the belly.  Accompanied by Susan Guevara's illustrations, which depict the colorful scenes of a culturally diverse neighborhood. While I do not find the memories of my childhood home particularly pleasant, Soto captures a typical day in the barrio even through his fictional plot of cats and mice at dinner; for it is customary to cook large meals, invite guests over and enjoy the work accomplished in the kitchen.            

PROFESSIONAL REVIEW: 

"K-Gr 3-Chato, the coolest low-riding cat in East L.A., invites his new neighbors, a family of 'tasty' mice, to dinner, but his intentions aren't at all neighborly.  His friend Novio Boy, 'a cat with soft green eyes, sleek fur, and the loveliest growl in the barrio,' drops by and stays to share in the feast.  The mice family arrives with their friend, Chorizo, and that's when the fun begins!  Soto adeptly captures the flavor of life in el barrio in this amusing tale.  The animal characters have distinct personalities, and their language, sprinkled with Spanish phrases and expressions, credibly brings them to life.  Best of all, though, are Guevara's striking illustrations that enrich the text with delightful, witty details.  Each page exudes 'East L.A. culture,' creating vivid scenes in which bold colors and shapes combine ot increase the humor and tension in the narrative.  The characters' expressions exhibit intense emotions, drawing readers into the plot beyond the reach of the written word.  A really cool book." - Graciela Italiano

Reference

Italiano, G., and Jones, T.E., (11995).  Soto, Gary. Chato's Kitchen [Review of the 
       book Chato's Kitchen, by Gary Soto]. School Library Journal, 41(7), 69.  

LIBRARY USES: 

This is a book that I would have on display because of it's catchy title and colorful images.  Children would be drawn to the animal characters immediately.