The Dog Who Loved Tortillas

Saenz, B. (2009). The Dog Who Loved Tortillas. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press. Sophie is the new dog of siblings, Little Diego and Gabriela. The siblings both longed to have a dog all their own and did not have intentions of sharing a dog before they got one. Mr. Dominguez, their father said if they did not share a dog, they would get no dog at all. The siblings did not like this but reluctantly agreed. After they realized that Sophie likes tortillas, the dog became known throughout the neighborhood for loving tortillas. Soon, Sophie becomes ill and the siblings are heartbroken over the dog’s illness. But her illness helps to make the siblings become closer as they both mourn over the possible chance that they may lose their dog. Once Sophie is all better, the siblings both love, cherish and share the dog. Although this book is intended for children in grades Kindergarten – 3^rd grade, English speaking students may not understand the Spanish in the book until they have taken it in Middle School or a higher grade.  However, the story is translated in English throughout the book so younger children or non-Spanish speakers are able to enjoy it independently. I personally like the author’s style in this aspect. A Spanish teacher could use this book in a lesson for Beginning Spanish classes. The story meets the criteria of emotional development. The way the siblings come together after their dog is sick shows emotional growth and maturity.