Module 3 Chato's Kitchen by Gary Soto

A. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Soto, Gary. 1995. CHATO’S KITCHEN. New York, NY: Putnam & Grosset Group. ISBN 698116003. Illustrated by Susan Guevara.

B. PLOT SUMMARY
When Chato, the hippest cat in East L.A., invites a family of mice to dinner, he and his friend Novio Boy expect a wonderful meal of chiles rellenos, enchiladas and chorizo con mice. But when the mice arrive, they bring a surprise that changes the course of the whole meal.

C. CRITICAL ANALYSIS (INCLUDLING CULTURAL MARKERS)
This humorous tale of "cat and mouse," eventually brings the diverse barrio together for an outstanding dinnner party. Gary Soto and illustrator Susan Guevara are so clever in setting the stage for a sure disaster, but readers will be surprised to learn that all ends well. Students can learn the art of suspense from reading this story. Chato, the cat, is almost licking his lips with the mice as he prepares for their dinner. Once the guests arrive, every reader will be on the edge of their seats wanting to know what happens next.
The descriptive words add to the swagger of Chato. He is described as a “low-riding cat” that mambos his hips. Chato’s friend, Novio Boy, is also described in a larger-than-life way, with “soft green eyes, sleek fur, and the loveliest growl in the barrio. Novio Boy also wore the flashiest cat collar – a leather one with real gems that sparkled at night when cars passed in the street.” Soto also includes some cat puns, like “purrrfect.”
Many Hispanic cultural markers are included in this book. The book includes a glossary of Spanish words at the beginning and a description of the foods Chato prepares. Soto and Guevara’s dedication page is also Spanish. Chato uses a sprinkling of Spanish words and phrases, like “No problema” and “Chato welcomes you to the barrio.” Even though there is a glossary at the beginning of the book, sometimes the English translation is also right next to the Spanish in the text. For example, “That Chato cat seems muy simpatico, very nice, I’m sure.” This is a little frustrating to readers who have already looked in the glossary and then see the translation on the page. This also very inconsistent because the English is not always next to the Spanish.
Food is very abundant throughout the book. Chato cooks with arroz, tortillas and flan. Many of the ingredients are also seen in Guevara’s pictures, like avocados, tomatoes and corn.
Guevara’s illustrations also depict a Hispanic American lifestyle. Chato wears his baseball hat backwards and wears low-riding shorts. His house has burglar bars, hanging bougainvillea plants and a clothesline. The kitchen ingredients are labeled “arroz” and the calendar says “Mayo”. Novio Boy also looks like a stereotypical Hispanic gangster with his bandanna slung low on his head, cross necklace and plaid shirt.

D. REVIEW EXCERPTS
1996 Pura Belpre Award

1996 ALA Notable Children's Book

“These animal characters are very human: the mouse teenager talks on her mobile phone; Chato's friend mambos to his boom box. Best of all is the fun with scale, especially in a story where the small creatures win.” BOOKLIST

“A really cool book ... Soto adeptly captures the flavor of life in el barrio in this amusing tale. Guevara's striking illustrations enrich the text with delightful, witty details.” (Starred Review) SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

“…Guevara's cats are delicious send-ups of barrio characters, and Soto's words glisten with wit: "We brought Chorizo,' Mami mouse called./ Sausage! Chato and Novio Boy danced, and with clean paws they gave each other a 'low-four.'" Salud to this magical pairing of talents.” PUBLISHERS WEEKLY


E. CONNECTIONS
Discuss with older students the illustrations and depiction of Novio Boy.
Identify the Spanish words in the story and use the glossary to figure out their meaning.
Write a different ending the story and tell the story using the new ending.