I See the Sun in Mexico — Dedie King

I See the Sun in Mexico, the fifth book in the award-winning I See the Sun series, takes place on the Sea of Cortez. Luis's working-class family lives in La Paz. His father is a cook on an excursion boat. His mother makes the best tortillas in the city. With Mama's guidance, Luis shops for the vegetables Papa needs to prepare meals on the boat. Once on the water, Luis hands out masks and snorkels to the tourists who will swim in the beautiful sea. The clear blue water is a magical world filled with hundreds of colorful fish and playful sea lions. Later in the day, the boat is anchored again and everyone goes for a hike. The sandy trail, high above the shore, reveals snakes, lizards, cactus flowers and ancient rock drawings. At night, the black star-filled sky sparkles and the water is filled with thousands of herring swimming around the boat. Lush illustrations and a bilingual story in English and Spanish offer Luis's view of his beautiful country. Honorable Mention 2012 Foreword Book of the Year Awards - Picture Books/Early Reader Category.