¡Vamos! Let's Go Eat

In the latest addition to his ¡Vamos! picture book series, Raúl the Third presents another vibrant tale starring Little Lobo that will leave readers hungry and drooling. In this story, Little Lobo is tasked with bringing a pre-match meal to the wrestler El Toro and his fellow luchadores. Along with his rooster friend, Kooky Dooky, and his dog, Bernabé, Little Lobo enthusiastically ventures around the wrestling arena, El Coliseo, hopping from food truck to food truck in search of the most delicious Mexican treats and drinks. Together they are able to gather a considerable feast of churros, tortas, quesadillas, aguas frescas, and more to satiate even this massive crew of hungry wrestlers. As it was with his previous title, ¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market (Versify 2019), comparisons to Richard Scarry's work are easy and well-earned, as Raúl the Third and his colorist and spouse, Elaine Bay, have created similarly warm, joyful, and extensively detailed stories that readers will want to revisit again and again. The signature illustrations are simultaneously retro and novel, especially considering what is currently available in picture books. Each scene is so jam-packed with characters and experiences to make the audience want to jump right into the book and join in on the action. Teachers and school librarians will find a number of educational uses for this title, from Spanish- and English-language vocabulary development, to developing skills like visual literacy and identifying context clues, to learning about Mexican cuisine and instilling an appreciation for Mexican culture. Elementary school libraries would do well to find space for this title on their shelves.