Dickens & Rumi

book

The day it snowed tortillas

Joe Hayes · 1982

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The day it snowed tortillas by Joe Hayes. This book is recommended for ages 7+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Religious themes; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Diverse representation.

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? The stories are traditional folktales well-suited for early elementary readers. They contain mild fantasy, some light trickery, and occasional mild peril standard for oral folklore, making them accessible and engaging for children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Religious themes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5
  • Educational value3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Death is generally not a focus; characters may be outsmarted or vanish in a fantasy context.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to traditional cultural/regional belief structures within the stories.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Some traditional tales include mild supernatural elements, but nothing intended to be truly frightening.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild conflict and trickery typical of trickster folktales; nothing intense or graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate resourcefulness and bravery in the face of difficulties.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Richly imaginative stories that encourage creative problem-solving.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Hispanic and New Mexican traditions are central, offering meaningful cultural representation. Evidence is limited for a wider range of backgrounds, identities, abilities, or fully developed perspectives.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Introduces children to regional folktales and bilingual storytelling elements.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and cooperation are often rewarded in the narrative arcs.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes themes of wit, cleverness, and the rewards of being kind and persistent.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters often solve problems through intellect rather than force.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The day it snowed tortillas would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The day it snowed tortillas, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereThe day it snowed tortillas
WARRIORS: CHANGING SKIES #2: HIDDEN MOONErin HunterAges 10+WARRIORS: CHANGING SKIES #1: THE ELDERS' QUESTErin HunterAges 8+The Brown Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1904Ages 10+The Olive Fairy Book (Complete & Unabridged)Andrew Lang · 1907Ages 10+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating