Lupe Lopez: Rock Star Rules!
Or at least, Lupe Lopez thinks she does. Rules. And is a rock star. But when she has her first day of kindergarten, she has the distinction of being the first kindergarten to get in trouble on the first day of school. After all, her teacher does not appreciate that Lupe drums on everything: the desks, chairs, lunch trays…. And Lupe does not appreciate the rules the teacher has given her. Especially the one about losing her drumsticks if she does not follow the rules the teacher has given. After an incident that makes her question her rockstar status, Lupe comes to school the next day without her shades or sticks. And is the most miserable kindergarten there. As the day goes along, Lupe learns that Rock Stars need to follow teacher rules, friends are better than fans, and rocking out is always fun.
E. Charlton-Trujillo and Pat Zietlow Miller’s story is about a modern girl with modern ideas, feelings, hopes and dreams. The tone is as flashy as the illustrations by Joe Cepeda. The text is simple with Spanish words scattered among it. The illustrations are far from simple. While not overly crowded, they are busy and take on a life of their own.
This picture book works best for ages five and up. The kindergarten setting does limit the audience a smidgen but can still be relatable to the first (even second) grader). It might not be for everyone, (there were several places I was not a fan) but most will enjoy.