Dear Primo: A letter to My Cousin

Title: Dear Primo: A Letter to my Cousin 

Author: Duncan Tonatiuh
# of Pages: 32

Published by: Harry N. Abrams
Age Range: 4-8
Grade level: preschool-3rd

This book is written by Mexican author and Illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh. This books displays the difference in childhood depending on where you live. Charlie and his cousin Carlitos write letters back and forth. Charlie lives in the United States, his primo Carlitos lives in Mexico. They write letters about their friends, food, games they play, fiestas, and holidays. These two boys have very different lives. There is something that brings the boys together, which is they both want to meet someday! You'll have to read to see if they actually meet! 

This book is nice and short and can be used to teach a lot. There are beautiful full page images and they use the Mexican style. This book is relatable to students because they may have a pen pal or family that lives in another state or country. The plot develops throughout the story. The setting is realistic an the language is easily relatable to students. 

Classroom Activities and Lesson Ideas: 

• Teach how to write letters
• Assign pen pals or use an online contacting system to have pen pals in another country 
• Teach about the Mexican Culture and heritage 

Here's the book trailer: