This video features illustrations from the book and comments and readings by the author. We thought everyone should get a chance to see it. You can also hear Lucina Kathmann read a chapter in English and in Spanish on Blog Talk Radio.
Payshapes and the Bear is a bi-lingual book about interesting and likeable characters doing stuff together in a forest. Animals of many species work together, sometimes in zany cooperation, to solve problems that come up for them in their daily lives. For example, one time the beavers disassembled and reconstructed a huge dam all in one day trying to get their friend the sea serpent out to sea. All their projects are funny in interesting ways that will tickle you and your child. Part of the attraction is the format, with the two languages on facing pages, making the book perfect for Latina families with kids in US schools and vicea versa. This book is a delight.
Inventive! And completely novel. These little stories impress and take the reader on a new journey each time. I especially like that the Spanish and English translations are side by side - great practice for both the more advanced Spanish and English speakers. The stories are funny and interesting and keep you turning the page. However, don't leave it for the children to read, adults will enjoy these as well, such as when Payshapes doubts his own existence or contemplates whether or not bees have blue blood. Clever, silly, witty and surprisingly unique. - Biblio Reads Children's Book Review
From the central character's name (Payshapes) to the charming if quirky inhabitants of this Mexican bosque (forest), I found myself musing about these stories long after putting the book down. The product of a mother's totally unsentimental re-creation of her child's bedtime inventions, this book is for curious readers of all ages. (Signed) Former preschool teacher and lifelong savorer of children's literature.
"Payshapes and the Bear" is a charming creation of a world of talking animals and a human boy. If this rough outline sounds twee, the stories are not, because the tone is both witty and matter-of-fact. Lucina Kathmann has created a magical forest where animals all have their specialties; they are helpful and interdependent, as in an ideal society. The likeable Bear, with his fondness for pancakes (generously made for him by Payshapes) has a distinct personality. This would make a brilliant animated film!
