From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems

Del ombligo de la luna y otros poemas de verano
By Francisco X. Alarcón, Maya Gonzalez
Paperback: $11.95

Bilingual English/Spanish. From the Bellybutton of the Moon is renowned poet Francisco X. Alarcón’s collection of 22 poems inspired by his touching recollections of childhood summers in Mexico.

Description

With a poet’s magical vision, Alarcón takes us back to his childhood when he traveled with his family to Mexico to visit his grandma and other relatives. We travel with him in the family station wagon, across the misty mountain range to the little town of Atoyac. There, in the beloved town of his ancestors, we hear his grandma’s stories, sample Auntie Reginalda’s tasty breakfasts, learn about the keys to the universe, and take playful dips in the warm sea.

The lighthearted illustrations of Maya Christina Gonzalez perfectly capture the spirit of summer in Alarcón’s Mexico where “colors are more colorful, tastes are tastier, and even time seems to slow down.”

About the Creators

Francisco X. Alarcón
Francisco X. Alarcón

Francisco X. Alarcón was a renowned poet and educator, and a three-time winner of the Pura Belpré Author Award Honor for his bilingual Magical Cycle of the Seasons series of poetry for children. His many other honors include the American Book Award, the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Award, the Chicano Literary Prize, and finalist for state poet laureate of California. Alarcón was also the author of several poetry collections for adults and textbooks for teaching Spanish. In addition, he directed the Spanish for Native Speakers Program at the University of California. Alarcón passed away in early 2016.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez is an award-winning children’s book artist, author, activist and progressive educator. Their work addresses systemic inequity in relation to race/ethnicity, sexism, and cissexism using children’s books as radical agents of change and healing, both personally and culturally. Gonzalez co-founded Reflection Press, a POC, queer and trans owned independent publishing house that uses holistic, nature-based, and anti-oppression frameworks in their books and materials for kids and grown-ups. They are also the creator of the Gender Wheel, a tool to express the dynamic, infinite and inclusive reality of gender, and provides lectures and workshops to educators, parents and caregivers. Visit them online at mayagonzalez.com.

Awards

  • ALSC Notable Children's Books

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Pura Belpré Author Award Honor

    American Library Association (ALA)

  • Américas Award Commended Title

    Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs

Reviews

  • "Ideal for summer story hour or warm reminiscing all winter long."

    - Kirkus Reviews
  • "This seasonal collection is welcomed for the sweet summertime caress of its sunny sensations, tangy tastes, and warm memories of a loving Latino family."

    - Booklist
  • "Alarcón exhibits a tremendous talent for imbuing quotidian objects and concepts with dignity and jubilation."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Teachers could use this book as a model to involve children in learning about some aspects of poetry, such as observation of nature and descriptive sensory writing."

    - Multicultural Review
  • "The joyful illustrations add an almost tactile quality to this truly bilingual collection."

    - The Horn Book

Paperback

  • ISBN 9780892392018
  • Publication Date Apr 01, 2013
  • Trim Size 10.75 × 8 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JNF / Poetry / General
  • BISAC Category 2 JNF / Concepts / Seasons
  • BISAC Category 3 JNF / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
  • Themes Animals, Bilingual, Biography / Memoir, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Comparing / Classifying / Measuring, Cultural Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Environment / Nature, Families, Five Senses / Body Parts, Friendship, Grandparents, Home, Identity / Self Esteem / Confidence, Informational / Expository Nonfiction, Latinx / Latino / Hispanic, Nature / Science, Neighbors, Nonfiction, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Poetry, Pride, Similarities and Differences, Weather / Seasons / Clothing
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 7 - 11
  • Grade Range Grades 2 - 6
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 4.7
  • DRA 34
  • Interest Level Grades 2 - 6
  • Lexile Code NP
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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      From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. From the Bellybutton of the Moon is renowned poet Francisco X. Alarcón's collection of 22 poems inspired by his touching recollections of childhood summers in Mexico.

      Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems

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      El tapiz de Abuela

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      El camino de Amelia

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      Primer día en las uvas

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      Bajo la luna de limón

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      In the follow-up to the Pura Belpré Award Honor-winning Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match/Marisol McDonald No Combina, everyone's favorite mismatched heroine turns eight and throws a fabulously mismatched party.

      Marisol McDonald and the Monster / Marisol McDonald y el monstruo

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Free-spirited Marisol confronts her fear of monsters and unfamiliar nighttime noises.

      Mamá the Alien / Mamá la extraterrestre

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In this lighthearted bilingual immigration story, a young girl sees the word alien on her mother's Resident Alien card and concludes that her mother is from another planet--until the girl finds out that the word has more than one meaning.

      A Movie in My Pillow / Una película en mi almohada

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Young Jorgito has come to live in the Mission District of San Francisco, but he hasn't forgotten the unique beauty of El Salvador.

      Call Me Tree / Llámame árbol

      An imaginary bilingual English/Spanish tale of self-discovery told by a child who grows, learns about the natural world, embraces others, and is free to become who they are meant to be--a child as unique as a tree.

      Confeti

      In Spanish. The renowned poet Pat Mora celebrates the culture and landscape of the Southwest through the eyes of a Mexican American girl.

      The Upside Down Boy / El niño de cabeza

      Bilingual English/Spanish. The Upside Down Boy is award-winning poet Juan Felipe Herrera's engaging memoir of the year his migrant family settled down so that he could go to school for the first time.

      Friends from the Other Side / Amigos del otro lado

      Having crossed the Rio Grande into Texas with his mother in search of a new life, Joaquín receives help and friendship from Prietita a brave young Mexican American girl.

      My Very Own Room / Mi propio cuartito

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Five brothers, two parents, and a house full of visiting relatives make a young Mexican American girl feel crowded.

      My Diary from Here to There / Mi diario de aqui hasta allá

      Bilingual English/Spanish. One night, young Amada overhears her parents whisper of moving from Mexico to the other side of the border- to Los Angeles, where greater opportunity awaits.

      From North to South / Del Norte al Sur

      Bilingual English/Spanish. This nuanced picture book tackles the difficult and timely subject of family separation and deportation.

      Yum! ¡MmMm! ¡Qué Rico! Brotes de las Américas

      A collection of haiku focusing on fourteen foods native to the Americas, celebrating the fun of the foods as well as their origins.

      La vasija que Juan fabricó

      In Spanish. This vibrant storyis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

      Magic Windows / Ventanas mágicas

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Through the magic windows of her cut-paper art, Carmen shows us her family, her life as an artist, and the legends of her Aztec past.

      Soledad Sigh-Sighs / Soledad suspiros

      Bilingual English/Spanish. A picture book about eight-year-old Soledad, a latchkey child whose friends come up with an imaginative solution to make Soledad feel less lonely when she gets home from school.

      Birthday in the Barrio / Cumpleaños en el Barrio

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In this second book by author Mayra Lazara Dole, lively determined Chavi sets off on yet another Miami adventure.

      Drum, Chavi, Drum! / ¡Toca, Chavi, Toca!

      Who says girls can't play drums? The beat of Chavi's congas livens up her entire neighborhood. When she's not picked to drum in Miami's Calle Ocho festival, she decides to do something about it!

      Un mundo nuevo

      In Spanish. Un mundo nuevo brings us a gentle and uplifting story of coming to America.

      Prietita and the Ghost Woman / Prietita y la llorona

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Gloria Anzaldúa uniquely reinterprets the famous Mexican legend of la Llorona.

      Xochitl and the Flowers / Xóchitl, la Niña de las Flores

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Miles away from their home in El Salvador, Xochitl (SOH-cheel) and her family make a new home in the United States, but nothing is the same.

      Nana's Big Surprise / Nana, ¡Qué Sorpresa!

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Amada and her brothers try to comfort their grandmother, Nana, who has come to stay with them in the US from Mexico after abuelo passes away.

    • 4
      The Cycle of the Seasons Poetry Collection
      Collection of 4 books: $46.80

      From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. From the Bellybutton of the Moon is renowned poet Francisco X. Alarcón's collection of 22 poems inspired by his touching recollections of childhood summers in Mexico.

      Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In their final collection of seasonal poetry, poet Francisco X. Alarcón and artist Maya Christina Gonzalez invite us to celebrate winter-by the seashore, in the magic city of San Francisco, and in the ancient redwood forests of the Sierras.

      Angels Ride Bikes and Other Fall Poems

      Following the success of their award-winning book of spring poems, Laughing Tomatoes, and their acclaimed collection of summer poems, From the Bellybutton of the Moon, poet Francisco Alarcón and artist Maya Christina Gonzalez invite us to experience fall in Los Angeles-the City of Angels-where dreams can come true.

      Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. From the imagination of poet Francisco X. Alarcón comes Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems, a playful and moving collection of twenty poems in English and Spanish.

    • 20
      Pura Belpré Award Collection
      Collection of 20 books: $282.04

      Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match / Marisol McDonald no combina

      Mismatched and fabulous Marisol McDonald celebrates her Peruvian and Scottish heritage.
      Bilingual English/Spanish.

      Sharuko

      A fascinating bilingual picture book biography of Peruvian archaeologist and national icon Julio C. Tello, who unearthed Peru's ancient cultures and fostered pride in the country's Indigenous history.

      My Tata's Remedies

      A bilingual story of family and traditional wisdom: Tata teaches grandson Aaron natural remedies through healing neighbors and family.

      All Around Us

      This gorgeous picture book -- winner of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor and American Indian Youth Literature Award Picture Book Honor -- celebrates the circles that surround us, in the sky, the earth, our neighborhoods, ourselves... if we just dare to look for them.

      From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. From the Bellybutton of the Moon is renowned poet Francisco X. Alarcón's collection of 22 poems inspired by his touching recollections of childhood summers in Mexico.

      Mama and Papa Have a Store

      A young girl describes what a typical day is like in her parents' Chinese store in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Recipient of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor in 2000.

      ¡Olé! Flamenco

      A photo-essay about flamenco, a centuries-old living art form, originating in southern Spain, that incorporates traditional dance, song, and music.

      Under the Mesquite

      Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's long illness.

      The Pot That Juan Built

      With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz,The Pot that Juan Builtis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

      First Day in Grapes

      The powerful story of a migrant boy who grows in self-confidence when he uses his math prowess to stand up to the school bullies.

      Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In their final collection of seasonal poetry, poet Francisco X. Alarcón and artist Maya Christina Gonzalez invite us to celebrate winter-by the seashore, in the magic city of San Francisco, and in the ancient redwood forests of the Sierras.

      My Diary from Here to There / Mi diario de aqui hasta allá

      Bilingual English/Spanish. One night, young Amada overhears her parents whisper of moving from Mexico to the other side of the border- to Los Angeles, where greater opportunity awaits.

      My Colors, My World / Mis colores, mi mundo

      Bilingual English/Spanish. An instant favorite, this beautiful bilingual board book follows Maya as she discovers all the colors in her world.

      Gracias • Thanks

      In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful.

      Arrorró, mi niño

      Bilingual English/Spanish. A book of Latino lullabies and games, inspired by the author's own childhood in Puerto Rico.

      In My Family / En mi familia

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In My Family/En mi familia is Carmen Lomas Garza's second book of family pictures, a continuing tribute to the loving family and community that shaped her childhood-and her life.

      Family Pictures / Cuadros de familia

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In this Pura Belpré Honor-winning book, Carmen Lomas Garza tells the story of her childhood growing up in Kingsville, TX.

      Magic Windows / Ventanas mágicas

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Through the magic windows of her cut-paper art, Carmen shows us her family, her life as an artist, and the legends of her Aztec past.

      Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. From the imagination of poet Francisco X. Alarcón comes Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems, a playful and moving collection of twenty poems in English and Spanish.

      The Storyteller's Candle / La velita de los cuentos

      Bilingual English/Spanish. A bilingual biography of Pura Belpré, New York City's first Latina librarian.

    • 52
      Lee & Low Poetry Collection
      Collection of 52 books: $683.50

      Arrorró, mi niño

      Bilingual English/Spanish. A book of Latino lullabies and games, inspired by the author's own childhood in Puerto Rico.

      Amazing Places

      A collection of original poems that celebrate some of the amazingly diverse places in our nation. Readers of all ages will want to visit each amazing place again and again!

      Children of Long Ago

      A celebration of African American childhood in the early 1900s, as told through 17 poems that detail the daily pleasures of young children's lives.

      Life of a Genius

      A tribute to the spirited life of one of China's greatest literary and historical heroes--poet, scholar, and statesman Su Dongpo.

      The Pot That Juan Built

      With vibrant illustrations by Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz,The Pot that Juan Builtis sure to enlighten all who are fascinated by traditional art forms, Mexican culture, and the power of the human spirit to find inspiration from the past.

      I See the Rhythm

      i see the rhythmis an inspiring celebration of African American music and the far-reaching impact it has had on the world.

      Cool Melons- Turn to Frogs!

      For hundreds of years, school children in Japan have been introduced to poetry through the work of Issa.

      Poems to Dream Together

      A bilingual collection of poetry by acclaimed Chicano poet Francisco X. Alarcón celebrating family, community, nature, and the positive power of dreams to shape our future.

      A Movie in My Pillow / Una película en mi almohada

      Bilingual English/Spanish. Young Jorgito has come to live in the Mission District of San Francisco, but he hasn't forgotten the unique beauty of El Salvador.

      Etched in Clay

      The acclaimed biography-in-verse about the life and times of Dave, an enslaved potter who inscribed his works with short poems during the years leading up to the Civil War.

      DeShawn Days

      In this uplifting story told in verse, a young boy living in the inner city projects tells about his hopes, fears, and dreams.

      When the Horses Ride By

      Through these graceful and eloquent poems, written from the child's perspective, readers will experience this resilience, this optimism, and understand that it is possible to get through difficult and unsettling times while holding onto one's hopes and dreams for a better, more peaceful future. 

      Under the Mesquite

      Lupita, a budding actor and poet in a close-knit Mexican American immigrant family, comes of age as she struggles with adult responsibilities during her mother's long illness.

      Amazing Faces

      An anthology of universal poems focusing on the human experience--emotions, perceptions, and understandings--as expressed by poets of diverse heritage and reflected in illustrations featuring people of all ages and backgrounds.

      The Mangrove Tree

      The fascinating story of Dr. Gordon Sato, who helped a small African village become self-sustaining by planting a forest of mangrove trees to reshape the community's ecosystem.

      Drumbeat in Our Feet

      A journey into the deep-rooted traditions, artistry, and energetic spirit that make up the world of African dance, past and present.

      Ten Oni Drummers

      In this playful, rhyming story, young children find reassurance and comfort for their fears when scary dreams come their way. Through art and story, children also learn about Japanese taiko drumming and the Japanese words and characters for the numbers one to ten.

      Rainbow Stew

      The sweet story of three children who spend a rainy day with their grandfather, picking fresh vegetables in his garden, and then cook and share a meal of healthy vegetable stew.

      Tofu Quilt

      A collection of poems telling the story of Yeung Ying, a young girl in Hong Kong in the 1960s who, against the conventions of society and family members, aspires to become a writer

      Tan to Tamarind

      A poetry collection that explores the spectrum of beautiful shades of brown.

      Africa Calling, Nighttime Falling

      A good-night book that celebrates the beauty and ecological diversity of the animals of Africa.

      Every Month Is a New Year

      Happy New Year ... in July! This versatile collection of engaging original poems showcases New Year celebrations throughout the year and around the world.

      Family Poems for Every Day of the Week

      A bilingual poetry collection by the late Francisco X. Alarcón, acclaimed Chicano poet, celebrating the days of the week and everyday childhood experiences.

      Una colección bilingüe de poesía del difunto Francisco X. Alarcón, aclamado poeta chicano, que celebra los días de la semana y las experiencias cotidianas de la infancia.

      I Remember

      An outstanding celebration of diversity and family: fourteen poets and sixteen illustrators of diverse backgrounds share memorable childhood experiences and reflect upon their different heritages, traditions, and beliefs.

      Poems in the Attic

      Award-winning poet Nikki Grimes presents a tender poetry collection where a young girl learns about her mother, the child of an Air Force serviceman.

      Rise!

      In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, this beautiful biography of Maya Angelou describes how she rose above a childhood of trauma and emotional pain to become one of the most inspiring voices of our lifetime.

      Martí's Song for Freedom

      A bilingual biography of José Martí, who dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty-abolishment of slavery, political independence for Cuba, and intellectual independence from colonialism for all Latinos. Written in verse with excerpts from Martí's seminal work, Versos sencillos.

      Gracias • Thanks

      In a series of poetic sentences, a young boy (biracial Mexican/Caucasian) tells about some of the everyday things for which he is thankful.

      Lend a Hand

      A collection of original poems centered on giving and spontaneous acts of kindness, which also incorporate larger themes of community, intergenerational relationships, young mentors, and care for the environment.

      Animal Poems of the Iguazú / Animalario del Iguazú

      let's listen to / the green voice / of the rainforest

      The animals of the Iguazú speak for themselves, creating a collection of poems that will resonate with readers of all ages.

      Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. From the imagination of poet Francisco X. Alarcón comes Laughing Tomatoes and Other Spring Poems, a playful and moving collection of twenty poems in English and Spanish.

      Angels Ride Bikes and Other Fall Poems

      Following the success of their award-winning book of spring poems, Laughing Tomatoes, and their acclaimed collection of summer poems, From the Bellybutton of the Moon, poet Francisco Alarcón and artist Maya Christina Gonzalez invite us to experience fall in Los Angeles-the City of Angels-where dreams can come true.

      From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. From the Bellybutton of the Moon is renowned poet Francisco X. Alarcón's collection of 22 poems inspired by his touching recollections of childhood summers in Mexico.

      Iguanas in the Snow and Other Winter Poems

      Bilingual English/Spanish. In their final collection of seasonal poetry, poet Francisco X. Alarcón and artist Maya Christina Gonzalez invite us to celebrate winter-by the seashore, in the magic city of San Francisco, and in the ancient redwood forests of the Sierras.

      Summer Sun Risin'

      From sunrise to sunset, an African American boy spends an activity-filled summer day helping his family on their farm.

      Jazz Baby

      A celebration of music and movement, this story in verse is inspired by the riffs, rhythms, and freedom of jazz.

      In Daddy's Arms I Am Tall

      In this intergenerational collection of poetry by new and established African American writers, fatherhood is celebrated with honor, humor, and grace.

      Chess Rumble

      A story in free verse about a troubled boy who learns to use his mind instead of his fists through the guidance of an unconventional mentor and the game of chess.

      The Crane Girl

      In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.

      Call Me Tree / Llámame árbol

      An imaginary bilingual English/Spanish tale of self-discovery told by a child who grows, learns about the natural world, embraces others, and is free to become who they are meant to be--a child as unique as a tree.

      Water Rolls, Water Rises / El agua rueda, el agua sube

      Now in paperback: In a series of poetic verses in both English and Spanish, readers learn about the movement and moods of water around the world and the ways in which water affects different landscapes and cultures.

      The Palm of My Heart

      When children are encouraged to celebrate their lives -- their joys, their influences, their hopes -- the results are pure poetry.

      Confetti

      The renowned poet Pat Mora celebrates the culture and landscape of the Southwest through the eyes of a Mexican American girl.

      A Full Moon is Rising

      A children's book takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the world to discover an amazing collection of full moon celebrations, beliefs, customs, and facts. We'll visit India, Israel, Morocco, China, Australia, and many more places.

      Yum! ¡Mmmm! ¡Qué Rico! Americas' Sproutings

      A collection of haiku focusing on fourteen foods native to the Americas, celebrating the fun of the foods as well as their origins.

      Dreaming Up

      A picture book that connects great works of architecture to the ways children build and play.

      Love to Mamá

      Thirteen Latino poets celebrate their bonds with their mothers and grandmothers.

      Love to Langston

      This inspiring biography on Langston Hughes celebrates his life through poetry.

      How We Are Smart

      Musician Tito Puente. Ballerina Maria Tallchief. Explorer Matthew Henson. Congresswoman Patsy Mink. These are some of the people profiled in this book. They are well known for different reasons, but they also have something in common. They were all smart!

      Bein' with You This Way

      An African American girl and her friends play together and learn that despite their physical differences, they are all really the same.

      Black All Around

      A young girl discovers all the wonderful and beautiful things around her that are black.

      I and I Bob Marley

      A biography in verse of reggae legend Bob Marley, exploring the influences that shaped his life and music on his journey from rural Jamaican childhood to international superstardom.

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