If you are a long time visitor to Life On the Cutoff, you know my love of books and food and history. If you are a new visitor to the Cutoff, welcome. Please know that among the many types of books I read, children’s literature is often in the mix. If I can get kiddie lit and food all on the same plate – er page, I am a happy camper. As I write this, I AM a happy camper.
When Ignacio Anaya’s parents died, he went to live with a foster mother. Known as Nacho, it was in his foster mother’s kitchen that he ate, observed and learned to cook. Nacho grew up, worked in restaurants taking any job offered and became known for his amicable ways with customers. Eventually, Nacho started working in a restaurant of some renown. The Victory Club, in Piedras Negras, was across the Rio Grande from Eagle Pass, Texas.
One afternoon, alone in the Victory Club and not yet a chef, Nacho is asked to make something to eat by a group of women, regulars, who come in during a slow time of day. Nacho’s ability to rise to the occasion and use what is at hand kick in and the nacho is invented!
This engaging book is for young readers – and young readers at heart. It will tickle one’s tastebuds as the story of how Nacho developed the snack that so many of us enjoy. The amount and quality of research done by author Sandra Nickel is impressive, and Oliver Dominguez’s illustrations are amazing, setting the joyful mood of this book – and there is even a recipe and additional supporting information at the end.
Upon reading L. Marie’s delightful interview with Sandra Nickel, I ordered a copy, which promptly arrived, sat down with some nachos and enjoyed the company of Ignacio Anaya’s story. If you have not had the pleasure of reading any of L. Marie’s blog posts, I encourage you to click on the link below. I think you will enjoy her engaging interview with Sandra Nickel, and her other posts as well. If you are looking for a fun and informative book for a child as the holidays approach, I believe you will find one in Nacho’s story.
I’ll check that one out. If you like beautifully used English, give “The Journeying Moon” by Ernle Bradford a try and a touching tale “My Irish Dog” by Douglas Solvie.
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Thank you for these recommendations.I did a quick check and they both look like books I would enjoy. Thank you. I’ve added them to my TBR list.
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What a great review of this book, it sounds like it would be a fun afternoon read. It also gave me a taste for nachos!
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Thank you, Janet. It is a fun read – and I did get nachos after reading it. I finally sent it off for the grands, who I think will like it.
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Great review! I love nachos!😋
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Thank you, Jill. I do, too. I hope you are doing well.
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It sounds like a dicious read. I will be looking forward to it and will check out the blog as well. As always, your book reviews tickle my imagination.
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Thank you, Janet. I think you will enjoy this one and L. Marie’s post (all of her posts) are fun and interesting.
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Thank you for your kind words here and throughout the post, Penny! 😄
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You are very welcome. It was too tasty to keep to myself.
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Soooo glad you enjoyed the book, Penny! And I am still in search of nachos!!! Yay!!!
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I truly did, L. Marie I hope our Up North family enjoys it as well. Have a good day – and hold onto your hat. Phew! That wind is fierce this morning.
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Penny, you are absolutely wonderful for spreading the word about Ignacio Anaya—and Linda too! I agree, they are both wonderful!
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It was my pleasure, Sandra. Best of wishes to you – and thank you.
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