With Lots of Love

PreS-Gr 2–Rocio is melancholy in her new home in the United States. She misses her grandmother, aunt, and cousins, with whom she used to live in Central America. With her birthday is approaching, Rocio remembers Abuela’s small grocery store and the fresh fruit, pan dulce, and the colorful piñatas that Rocio loved so much. Most of all, she thinks of the extra sweet coffee and tortillas her grandmother used to make for her. The English narrative is interspersed with Spanish words that tell of family love and warm memories that help a young girl adapt to her home. The expressive digital illustrations are set in panels and full spreads, using curved lines and shades of red and blue to emphasize the essence of the lost home and the loved ones left behind. This picture book could be used in a social unit covering cultural traits and family migration. The subject matter, although intrinsically sad, is brightened by the skillfully lighthearted art, which complements the plot and leaves readers with the sense that there are more memories yet to be created.