Pequeña the Burro

The latest entry in MarshMedia's iconographic children's videos (the last, Jomo & Mata, was reviewed in VL-5/94), Pequeña the Burro, written by Jami Parkinson and illustrated by Itoko Maeno, is a delightful story about self-esteem set in Mexico. When Pequeña, who gives burro rides to children, is chosen by a young girl to come to her birthday party, the other burros tell Pequeña about all the terrible things that can go wrong. To make matters worse, Pequeña sees a reflection of herself and discovers that she's "only a burro." Even with the reassurance by another burro that burros are strong, hard-working creatures who helped to build Mexico, Pequeña is racked with doubt and anxiety. At the party, her worst fears are realized when an emergency situation arises. In the manner of the legendary little engine who thought he could, however, Pequeña pulls through and gains a new sense of confidence. Nicely narrated, and featuring a snappy Mexican-flavored soundtrack, Pequeña the Burro is recommended for larger children's collections. For ages 4-8. (R. Pitman)