Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales is the most live action, as it happens picture book I’ve ever read.
Guys, there’s an announcer! At least, that’s what the circus-like font tells me when it says, “Senoras Y Senores, Put your hands together for the fantastic, spectacular, one of a kind…NIÑO!”
I’m positive it’s to be read loudly and confidently, possibly with a microphone.
Niño wrestles a number of opponents while his sisters nap. The text and illustrations are bold, bold, bold!
You don’t really need to know what lucha libre (Mexican Wrestling) is to enjoy this book, but it’s a great introduction for kids (with info at the end). I especially like how lucha libre and Spanish words are woven in seamlessly through the story. The story is primero.
And the twist at the end brings it all home to anyone with siblings perfectly.
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My husband got the above lucha libre-inspired mask at our local farmers’ market around Halloween one year. I wish I could credit the maker because, well, isn’t it great?!
LUCHA LIBRE MASKS
Yuyi Morales has printable masks for all the characters in the book right on her website! Niño, of course, as well as all of his opponents.
Here’s a slew of printable templates from Happy Thought. Que lindo!
DIY wooden peg lucha libres from The Knitty Gritty Homestead too!
This Astro Kid hat/mask fits the bill! (Also, E.T.!!)
Socks to make anyone feel like a luchadore (from absolutesocks.com).
Or these socks for bebe. Ahahahaha! (From Thumbeline.)
And finally, truly amazing lucha libre cupcakes from Lovely Indeed!
(Bonus: for the grownups, Top Rope Lager’s packaging is a fizzy way to celebrate your inner luchadore.)
Okay, everything about this post? Is. Awesome. I have to check out this book. Love the goodies you came up with!
Aw, thanks Danzel! This was a particularly joyful one to put together!
I like the baby socks, but for me – too bad! I ADORE the illos in this, but I wasn’t as swept up by the story – I’ll have to reads it again, sometimes that’s all it takes. Thanks for another fun post!
Those socks leave me laughing uncontrollably. Maybe you could try reading the book with a microphone! Or a water bottle as a stand in. 🙂
Hairbrush is the mic of choice in this household!
Hahahaha! Nice! Also, why am I only now subscribing to your blog? You are such a true talent!!! Goodness.
Super cute blog! This would be such a great birthday party theme.
Thanks Ana! And you are so totally right about the party theme!
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I agree with Danzel, love it ALL. Especially that grey hat/balaclava. Great blog.
Thanks, Lucy!!! And yes, that one is pretty special. Could make a kid feel like a superhero every day!
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