A Gift from Papa Diego

A gift from Papa Diego was written by Benjamin Saenz
and illustrated by Geronimo Garcia. It is an ESOL endorsed
story for children Kindergarten through 2nd.

Author Benjamin Saenz grew up in Mexico on a farming village. Growing up in Mexico and having a family that mostly only spoke English, Saenz had to learn much of his English from his siblings and watching cartoons. This story was inspired by those cartoons, as he loved to watch Superman, Spiderman, Batman, and all the heros.








In this story Little Diego lives far away from his Papa Diego,
but wishes to be close to him, because he misses and loves
him so much. Little Diego is having trouble trying to understand
why his Papa can't be with him. As his father tries to explain
it to him, he gives him some old comics he use to love to read as a child.

As Little Diego reads his new comics, he dreams of flying like
Super Man to go and visit his Papa in Chihuahua. With his
birthday in just 2 weeks, he prays and prays for a Super Man
suit. He instead gets a surprise on his birthday when his Papa
comes all the way to El Paso to visit him and fulfills his birthday
wishes.

Illustrator Geronimo Garcia really brings this story to life with his use

of clay sculptures and bold colors. One can see the emotions and expressions 

needed to capture this heart felt story. Garcia even take the clay workings 

throughout the story by adding them in on the words of the story too.

Adding a few special touches with little pictures to match what is

going on at that moment.

This story can be used in the classroom with bilingual children in it and also 

ones without. One of the great features this story offers is a story page

split in two and one side is in English and the other in Spanish. Really

allowing for diversity and encouraging both reads to learn more.

Discussion Provoking Questions:  

• Do you think that Little Diego believed he could fly and go see his Papa?
• Have you ever been away from someone that you missed and loved very much? If so what did you do to help you feel better?
• Why do you think they retell Little Diego the story of his birth every year on his birthday?

Motivational Activity:

I thought with Valentine's right around the corner and a story full of love! What a better way to incorporate them together. In this story Little Diego loves his Papa very much but he can't understand how his Papa can love living in Mexico and love him all at the same time. So, this activity would have students making hearts out of construction paper. They can use whatever color they want and once finished completely they could decorate, After they have cut out their hearts start talking to them about different things they love and why they love it. Then ask them to choose someone they know, who they would like to give their big heart of love to, Have them write or draw pictures on their heart showing or telling that person all about why they love them. This is a great way for children to express themselves and learn about loving one another. 

Reference: 

 Sn̈z, B. A., & Garcia, G. (1998). A Gift from Papa Diego Un regalo de Papa Diego. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press.