New collection reflects ‘El Mundo Latino’

For native speakers, those refreshing rusty skills and others

acquiring communication abilities, the Newport Beach Central

Library’s new Spanish-language materials collection opens a door into

another culture.

From original text versions of such contemporary classics as

Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ “Cien Anos de Soledad” (“One Hundred Years of

Solitude”) and Isabel Allende’s “Hija de la Fortuna” (“Daughter of

Fortune”) to translations of bestsellers by Tom Clancy, Anne Rice,

Amy Tan and Patricia Cornwell, the collection features a wide

spectrum of adult fiction. Spanish-language literary works, popular

selections by authors from throughout Latin America, and adult

nonfiction are shelved together in an upstairs section heralded by

bright red and yellow “Espanol/Spanish” banners.

Those reading at a beginning level or introducing Spanish to

children will find bi-lingual volumes and translations of such

beloved picture books as “Goodnight Moon,” “The Polar Express” and

“Strega Nona” in the children’s room. Check out “Jorge el Curioso”

(“Curious George”) or “Winny de Puh” (“Winnie the Pooh”) for literary

romps that can make learning a new language fun.

For intermediate readers, works by such popular children’s authors

as Scott O’Dell, C.S. Lewis and Beverly Cleary also are shelved in

juvenile fiction. Those with honed skills can follow a boy wizard’s

adventures with translations of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books, or

enter the land of Narnia with “El Leon, La Bruja, y El Ropero,”

Margarita Valdes’ translation of C.S. Lewis’ fantasy classic, “The

Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.”

Nonfiction titles appeal to a broad range of interests. There are

cookbooks, travel guides and self-help volumes covering health,

parenting and family issues. Spanish-speaking chefs can stir up a

meatless meal with help from Rocio Buzo’s “Mi Libro de Cocina

Vegana.” Travelers heading north can find tips for exploring the city

by the bay in “San Francisco y Norte de California.”

Language learning books, citizenship guides and reference

resources serve specialized needs. The latter include dictionaries,

an atlas of world history and the multi-volume “Enciclopedia

Hispanica.”

Beyond books, the whole family can enjoy the Spanish video

versions of “Peter Pan,” “A Bug’s Life” or “Toy Story 2.” For more

mature audiences, an eclectic mix includes award-winning films from

international festivals, classic cinema, and such resources as

“Cuidado del Recien Nacido,” a Kaiser Permanente video with tips on

caring for a newborn.

Even those with no language skills can sample the rhythms of

another culture. If there’s a fiesta in your future, set the mood

with “The Best of Mexico,” a compact disc featuring folk songs and

mariachi music from south of the border. Or, bid your guests “adios”

and fan romantic fires with “100 Years of Latin Love Songs.”

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach

Public Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in

collaboration with June Pilsitz and Gina Moffitt. All titles may be

reserved by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.