A Taco for El Presidente

"A Taco for El Presidente" is an engaging clever and witty story for young readers. Max is a taco who has been accepted to be on the Tasty Taco Truck which is considered the best taco truck around. He also is excited to meet el presidente who is scheduled to visit the taco truck soon even though he really doesn't like tacos. Max who is fiercely independent does not want to compromise his individuality by conforming with the same filling as detailed each day by his manager, Senor Jalepeno. Max wants to bring something new to the taco truck so customers could experience all the different flavors American culture has to offer. Max's delightful Mediterranean filling or his bold Korean taco flavors fail to impress his manager. We admire Max's determination and enthusiasm to show the el presidente who didn't even like tacos they can be delicious and perfect when a variety of fillings are used.    

The author recently shared some of her thoughts on writing during MCCBD's March interview. http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/be-true-to-yourself-celebrating-uniqueness-with-a-taco-for-el-presidente/
“I wrote this book as a way to have a conversation  with our children about what’s going on today. As an American and a child of immigrants, I wanted to show how lucky we are to be Americans; lucky to be who we are, as we are. I hope that the values of authenticity, open-mindedness, and courage come through.”

Teaming up with illustrator, Eduardo Martinez, Seema published her children’s picture book "A Taco for El Presidente" in January of 2017. 

The text and illustrations of this book marry perfectly together as readers are engaged from the start to finish. Take for instance this page. 

Look how confident Max feels as he fills himself up with an Indian filling of spiced chickpeas, rice, chutney, yogurt and cheese. He just feels yummy and knows el presidente will love this delicious taco filling and it may well become his  favorite one.  
With the arrival of el presidente at the taco truck there are some subtle messages on diversity with learning lessons that provide a springboard for discussion when the president learns that different flavors are what make America great.   

The story-line was creative and I liked how Max had a strong sense of identity showing you can be anything you want including being different. I loved the cheerful colorful illustrations which appeal to children. The book would make a great gift for the classroom with many discussable situations that Max encounters along the way as he learns to be true to himself and celebrate the universal message of diversity.    

Connect with Seema and Max the Taco on their website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Cook's Notes: Max The Taco Special was created for this book review. It's a taco dish packed with nutrition and great flavors for healthy eating. 

Max The Taco Special

Cook's notes: Quinoa is a protein packed addition to this taco filling as well as refried beans which are surprisingly low in fat. They contain all the nutrients found in pinto beans, from dietary fiber and protein to iron and plant chemicals that protect you from diseases.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup sweet onions, diced
• 2 cups chunky salsa-mild or hot
• 1/2 can vegetarian low fat refried beans 
• 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen corn 
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. cumin
• dash Saigon cinnamon
• 2 cups reduced-fat Mexican four cheeses
• 1 box (10 count) Old El Paso Stand and Stuff Taco Dinner Kit  

Directions:

• In a large skillet cook meat and onions together. Drain grease and wipe pan clean. To the meat and onions  add remaining ingredients except the cheese and taco shells. Cook mixture on low covered  20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a 13 x 9 pan with foil. Lightly spray foil with cooking spray.
• Stand up the taco shells and divide filling among the 10.  Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 8 minutes. Garnish with favorite taco toppings. 

  Another taco option:

Walking Tacos- allows for creativity by adding different ingredients to individual servings

a link to a previous Ever Ready posting on walking tacos
 http://sockfairies.blogspot.com/2013/10/taco-in-bag.html

to Seema Vora Bakhru for sending me her book for review and to Becky Flansburg for inspiring me to create a recipe for the review.