LeoNora M. Cohen

About the Photographer: Lise Guillemette

Lise Guillemette received a degree in Urban Geography, a minor in Fine Art in Montreal and a Teaching certificate in Vancouver, BC.  She taught all the primary levels in a French Immersion school for 18 years, especially enjoying work in kindergarten. Discovering colonial Mexico in San Miguel, where she spends winters, inspires her.

For the last 10 years she has concentrated on photography, her love of small children evidenced in the photos in this book.

Magic Boots

When small children put on a pair of magic boots, they can be anything they imagine or want to be!  This book and it's five companion books (3 for Martin,

3 for Miranda) are bilingual (English and Spanish), in the Mexican context. The books were written to develop occupational aspirations in young children ages 2-6, both in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries and in the USA, especially children of rural or low-income backgrounds who may
not have exposure to job possibilities. Photos of two adorable children
"at work" in over 40 occupations; simple definitions of these occupations; job requirements so children can begin to think about education and preparation; and suggestions for parents or educators for using the books are included.

Written by an emeritus professor of education with photographs by a retired kindergarten teacher who has focused on photography the last 10 years, the books are useful and educational as well as charming, with lots of material for play and discussion. Small children can easily pick up words in English or Spanish and can have the fun of becoming bilingual.

Profits from Book 1 for Martin and Miranda are donated to Centro Infantil San Pablo, a program for the most underprivileged 3-5 year-olds in San Miguel.  Profits from Book 2 for Martin and Miranda benefit Ojala Ninos, a program for indigenous campo children in literacy, arts, and sustainable job training. Book 3 profits go to Los Ricos de Abajo, a small impoverished school in the Campo where Nora teaches English.

We suggest purchasing the set of all six books and making or finding costumes to support young children's play in being a firefighter, doctor, auto mechanic, or artist (among others). Because little kids want to imitate grown ups, these books should be very useful in the preschool or kindergarten setting in stimulating dreams and possibilities and in playing out roles of working adults.

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