Spain (Dropping in on)

One normally wouldn't expect to find profundity and stirring insights in a little book like this that is written for children, so it comes as a delightful to surprise to find both in abundance. This book should be required reading for all would-be authors of children's books, as it demonstrates how much wisdom and information can be conveyed in a few thousand brilliantly chosen words. The cover, unfortunately, doesn't provide any information on its author, but Senor Bader appears either to have spent most of his life in Spain or to have some rare gift of understanding that enables him to distill the most important traits of an entire nation during only a few years' residence (it's impossible to imagine that Bader hasn't spent at least that much time in Spain). However, what makes this little book so great is his masterful ability to convey the essence of Spain to American readers--and in the most exquisite language. Indeed, this is a book that many parents will want to read aloud to their children, and then retire to their own beds to savor again on their own. And if all that weren't enough ... the book is beautifully illustrated. What a treat! Viva España!