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“The swallows were very much like little folks who had been on a long journey and were happy to be home again.“ I think this quote is very important as it makes children create an image in their head of what this would look like.

This book should be a part of each child‘s library. It has an excellent way of telling a story of the spanish settled in California. It reflects on culture beautifully.

Award: Caldecott
Review: This book is about a little boy named Juan who lives in California and learns the story of the swallows. This book chronicles Juan‘s journey of learning about the story of the swallows and their repeated return home to California every year and how Juan decides to build a small garden to which he hopes a family of swallows will move into. This book is a great way to expand culture in the classroom or home.

“I shall pray for their return” said Juan. The swallows flew down the coastline.

I absolutely love the use of pastel colors in this story. I think it really helps the reader to connect and sympathize with Julian and Juan. Instead of harsh blacks the illustrations are lined with greys which creates a soft and light effect.

This story has a sweet and innocent plot where juan wishes nothing more that the swallows nest in his garden he created himself. Eventually Juan‘s wish comes true and he is able to enjoy the swallows and all of their joy.

“They were so near that he could feel the throbbing of life through their little bodies.”

It is no mystery how this story received a Caldecott medal in 1950. The pictures are detailed and beautifully colored.

This book was published in 1949 by Scribner. It is a cute story about a boy‘s fascination with the birds and how they always know to return for spring on Saint Joseph‘s Day. It portrays Spanish culture and language in its pages.