Tacos Today: El Toro & Friends: World of ¡Vamos!
#1 of 7 in El Toro & Friends Series
What’s inside...
From New York Times bestselling author-illustrator Raúl the Third, Tacos Today is an early reader graphic novel that follows young luchadores, including El Toro, as they embark on a hunt for their favorite lunch - tacos. Set in the Eisner-nominated World of ¡Vamos!, the story combines a lively, graphic-novel style with Spanish phrases and humor. When the friends realize they don’t have enough money for tacos, they must use their creativity to come up with a solution that will allow them to enjoy an all-you-can-eat taco feast. Praised by Jeff Kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, this book promises action, laughs, and a celebration of friendship and ingenuity.
Discussion points
What do you think El Toro and his friends enjoyed the most about their taco adventure?
How do you think the different characters felt during their journey? Can you describe any emotions they might have experienced?
If you could create your own taco, what ingredients would you choose and why?
How did El Toro and his friends work together in the story? Why is teamwork important?
What did you learn about different cultures and foods from reading this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with food and friends, fostering a deeper personal connection to the story.
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your voice for different characters, to make the story more engaging and lively.
After reading, consider making tacos together using some ingredients mentioned in the book to bring the story to life.
Discuss the importance of trying new things and being open to different cultures, as demonstrated by the characters in the book.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can help them express their understanding and thoughts about the story creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: Tacos Today: El Toro & Friends: World of ¡Vamos! introduces children to a vibrant spectrum of cultures and traditions through the adventures of El Toro and his friends. Each character represents different aspects of cultural uniqueness, fostering an environment of understanding and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds in their own communities, promoting inclusivity and empathy from a young age.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, El Toro and his friends encounter challenges that they overcome by working together, showcasing the power of collective effort and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to collaborate with others whether in school projects or in play, teaching them the value of teamwork in achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Courage to Try New Things
Explanation: As El Toro and his companions explore new environments and try new activities, they demonstrate bravery and curiosity, essential qualities for personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and engage in new activities, which can lead to discovering new interests and abilities.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters frequently solve puzzles and face obstacles that require critical thinking and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This equips children with the ability to think critically and solve problems creatively in their everyday life, enhancing their cognitive development.