Niño Wrestles the World
#1 in Niño Series
on Goodreads (1,972)
What’s inside...
Señoras y Señores, put your hands together for the fantastic, spectacular, one of a kind . . . Niño! Fwap! Slish! Bloop! Krunch! He takes down his competition in a single move! No opponent is too big a challenge for the cunning skills of Niño—popsicle eater, toy lover, somersault expert, and world champion lucha libre competitor! Niño Wrestles the World is in English with Spanish vocabulary, and is a fun, colorful story about a boy wrestling with imaginary monsters (including an Olmec Head and La Llorona) and adversaries like his younger sisters. This is a joyful picture book from Yuyi Morales about imagination, play, and siblings. A Neal Porter Book. Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Winner. A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year. ALSC Notable Children's Book. A Mamiverse.com Top 50 Latino Children's Books You Should Know.
Discussion points
What do you think Niño feels when he wrestles his opponents? Can you describe a time you felt the same?
How does Niño use his imagination to create his adventures? What kind of adventures would you like to create?
Why do you think Niño enjoys wrestling with his opponents? What are some activities you enjoy and why?
What can we learn from Niño about facing challenges? How do you face challenges in your own life?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? Which picture is your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own wrestling character, complete with special moves and a unique costume.
Discuss the importance of sportsmanship and fair play, as exhibited by Niño, highlighting how he deals with each opponent.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book and describe it, which helps in connecting with the story and enhances comprehension.
Relate the story to personal experiences where your child had to face a challenge or use their imagination to solve a problem.
Emphasize the fun aspect of reading by using expressive voices for each character during read-aloud sessions, making the experience more immersive and enjoyable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Niño, the protagonist, faces off against various opponents, showcasing his bravery and ability to bounce back from challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges with bravery, whether it be trying new activities, standing up to bullies, or persisting through difficult tasks.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The book presents Niño's wrestling matches as playful and imaginative, demonstrating how he uses his creativity to come up with unique solutions to win.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination in problem-solving and play, fostering creativity that can be applied in academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: Niño Wrestles the World is rich with references to Lucha Libre—a professional wrestling sport in Mexico, increasing exposure and appreciation for Mexican cultural elements.
Real-World Application: Children are introduced to aspects of a different culture which promotes inclusivity and broadens their global understanding.
Example Lesson: The Power of Humor
Explanation: Niño uses humor to defeat his opponents throughout the book, suggesting that laughter can be a powerful tool.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that humor can be an effective way to handle difficult situations and lighten the atmosphere, which can be applied during interactions at school or at home.