Only for a Little While

K-Gr 3–Maribel’s father has lost his job and she, her sister Aurelia, Mami, and Papi will be staying at Tìa Carmen’s house. Maribel is sad to be leaving their home, but Papi reminds them that this is only “por un ratito”—for a little while. Maribel thinks about the time their uncle came to stay with them por un ratito, and when their grandparents come to visit for a little while, when she wished their stay had been longer. Or when her arm was in a cast, and Papi assured her it would be only for a little while, and she found other ways to have fun. Maribel looks at the many fun things that will come from staying at Tìa Carmen’s: among them, having her cousins to play with and enjoying loud and funny meals together. She thinks of the positives and when she finds herself getting frustrated, Aurelia is there to comfort her. Papi shares his hopes for their future, when they will have a house of their own again, and Maribel and Aurelia will have their own rooms—not just por un ratito, but forever. Both English and Spanish texts of this title convey a calm, peaceful tone, especially with the depiction of an experience that would be stressful for a family, and particularly for children. Maribel looks on the bright side and reminds readers that nothing lasts forever Colorful and warm illustrations show the change as the family moves to Tìa Carmen’s house, with worried expressions eventually replaced by happy and hopeful ones.