The Old Man and His Door

By Gary Soto

Book Overview

Who would bring the door, la puerta, to a picnic instead of the pig, el puerco? An old man who's great at gardening but lousy at listening to his wife "In the universal tradition of the wise-fool story, this gentle disaster tale is funny and affectionate....The combination is great for reading aloud." -- Booklist"Cepeda makes brilliant use of color, form, and perspective to add humor to the work. It's a story children will want to retell themselves." -- Kirkus Reviews

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0698116542
• ISBN13: 9780698116542
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 7.9" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

very cute book

This is cute little book that was recommended at an ELL workshop. It's cute.

Just like my grandparents

I really enjoyed the book and gave it to my grandparents because that is exactly how they are.(and Mexican too!) A great fun story that teaches about love kindness and patience.

First graders loved this silly story!

How many ways can YOU think of to use a door? My first graders loved this silly story of an old man who thinks his wife told him to bring a door ("la puerta") to a friends's barbeque. Of course, she said bring "el puerco" -- a pig -- to the party. But the old man is too busy to listen carefully...and off he goes down the street with the door on his back! On the way, he meets with multiple adventures -- all of which require a door for assistance. By the time he gets to the barbeque, he has a few special gifts -- and a funny story -- to contribute. (But still no pig...) Like all Gary Soto books, the conversation is sprinkled with Spanish. The illustrations by Joe Cepeda are colorful and lively. This was (by a narrow vote) my student's favorite Gary Soto book.