El Barrio and the Inspiration of a Young Artist

 

Picture books, as a form of publication, are usually written for young readers, even nonreaders. But, there are many "picture books" with higher vocabulary and abstract ideas that would need an adult to explain to a young child. Grandma’s Gift, written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez is one such picture book. Assigned to the genre biography/memoir, the story is the realistic event described by a young boy whose family lives in Spanish Harlem, New York City. Sometimes referred to as El Barrio, this culturally rich community is Spanish speaking and African American in heritage. Receiving the Pura Belpre Award, some would call the story a memoir written by young Velasquez. 

The story is set during the Christmas holidays. Young Eric will stay with his grandmother while his parents are working. “Grandma” is a perfect example of a loving, wise grandparent. She and her grandson remind me of Latino children I tutor. Their English language is excellent but often must interpret conversations for their parents and others in the immediate family. You learn to love young Eric as you read of his devotion and kindness toward his grandmother.

 

Much of the book is devoted to a happy holiday tradition in the preparation of delicious Puerto Rico Pasteles.  Searching online, I discovered recipes are lengthy and complicated. The chef must not be shy or uninformed about ingredients as there are many steps for cooking these delicious Christmas dishes.                                                                                                                   Image from http://www.cityneighborhoods.nyc/spanish-harlem-el-barrio

 

Along with cooking, Grandma and young Velasquez make a visit to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. The author provides a rich description of emotions for both Grandma and himself as they shyly wander the hallways of the massive building in the heart of the city. To her great surprise his grandmother sees one painting by the famous artist Diego Velazquez. It is a portrait of his slave/assistant Juan de Pareja. You may be puzzled by the term slave in the story but the painting was completed in the mid 17th century. Diego Velazquez was so fond and appreciative of his young assistant; he took action to release him from slavery. Juan continued to work on his artistry and painting eventually becoming a famous artist independent of Velazquez.


Our author of Grandmas’ Gift was so impressed with artist Juan’s story that he was inspired to also become a professional artist. He clearly is successful because the book contains his original paintings of a boy and his grandmother. Each page is filled with beautifully realistic scenes, people, and life-like actions within the story. Facial expressions almost appear like photographs. Bright colors are slightly muted as they would be in a community like El Barrio, New York City. 

Portrait from www.fineartofamerica.com

The story is a Latino Christmas event covered with love of family, close-community relationships, and much needed inspiration for young children of color in today’s world.

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