#29- The Pot That Juan Built

#29- The Pot the Juan Built

The Pot that Juan Built

Written by: Nancy Andrews-Goebel

Illustrated by: David Diaz

Lee & Low Books Inc., 2002

22 pages

Multicultural (Mexican)

“These are the flames so sizzling hot that flickered and flared and fired the pot, the beautiful pot the Juan built.”

            This book tells the story of Juan Quezada, who became a professional potter in Mexico in the 1970s. Each page contains a shorter version of his story, written as a poem. The poem grows and builds on top of itself as the story progresses. On the opposite page, the book details Juan’s life and his process in building his first pot. There are very interesting facts about this process that are included in the book. The paintbrush he used was made out of his own hair. He also followed a trail of ants that led him to fine clay to build his pot. At the end of the story, Juan’s first beautiful pot was built.

            Diaz used Adobe Photoshop to create the beautiful illustrations that cover every page of this book. The pictures seems to be layered on top of each other to create a three dimensional effect. The pictures cover the entirety of every page in a double-page spread. The text placement for this book is informal.

            This book is most appropriate for upper elementary grade levels. The book could be read aloud to the class. The class could then map out and illustrate the steps Juan took to make his first pot. It would be a terrific experience for the students if someone could be brought into the classroom to make a pot in front of them and explain the process to the students.