A Library for Juana By Pat Mora, illustrated by Beatriz Vidal (Knopf, 2002)An Américas Award Commended Book
ISBN 0-375-80643-1
"Pat Mora introduces young readers to Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, with a picture book biography of the poet's early life. The eloquent watercolor and gauche artwork incorporates elements of illustrated manuscript, re-creating the environment that nurtured a gifted child who became colonial Latin America's most famous poet." — Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs (CLASP)
What a wonderful reading aloud session we just had, Numbers Six, Seven and I. I came across this title quite accidentally, as I looked over the web for copies of Catholic Mosaic books. (I found the book on Altagracia and noticed a few others illustrated by the same artist.)
This wonderful picture book tells the story of Sor Juana Ines from her inquisitive, gifted childhood until her life as a nun and owner of the most impressive library. The pictures are colorful, warm, full of rich details.
The book brings up a theme I enjoy reading about immensely: that of the intelligent, cultured, Catholic woman, who lives her faith to the fullest. Saint Theresa Benedicta, whose feast day was last week, and Mother Benedict, whose biography I just finished, were two examples of such women.
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