Inspired by the picaresque tales of Spain, author Eric A. Kimmel and Robert Rayevsky spin an original fairy-tale in this entertaining picture-book. The eponymous Bernal and Florinda love one another, but the former is a poor man whose only possession is a field full of grasshoppers, while the latter is the daughter of the greedy mayor of Seville. When Bernal's suit is denied by the mayor, he vows to make his fortune using those grasshoppers, and to win the hand of Florinda, in spite of her father...

Although the story in Bernal & Florinda: A Spanish Tale is an original one, certain elements, such as the series of exchanges that Bernal conducts, reminded me strongly of various traditional tales I have read over the years. The story is engaging, with a happy ending for the lovers, and an unexpected resurrection for the tinker whom Bernal encounters. Rayvesky's artwork is colorful and expressive, ably capturing the humor of Kimmel's story. This is one I would recommend to young folk and fairy-tale lovers, particularly those looking for picaresque stories set in Spain. ( )

This book is a Spanish tale about Bernal who is not rich or important, who is in love with Florinda, who comes from a wealthy influential family. It tells of how Bernal uses his resources to win over Florinda's father and be able to marry her.

I enjoyed reading The Spanish Tale of Bernal & Florinda because the story sends a very important message to its readers. Money should not buy love, but one who fights for it deserves it. Bernal, a charming but poor grasshopper keeper did not allow Florinda’s wealthy father dictate his daughter’s relationship with Bernal. In the end, Bernal deserves Florinda with his curiosity and inquisitiveness. This Spanish Tale ends the story with “But to this day a splendid marble tomb stands in the cathedral of Seville.” The creativity and excitement of the Spanish Tale keeps readers interested and intrigued in the message of the story. ( )