This ode to family depicts the special influence of a young boy’s grandparents in his life. His voice rings as he catalogs the various ways his grandparents impact him. Through gentle verse, Caraballo strings the joys of this quiet relationship: weekends spent throwing parties in the kitchen with delectable desserts, strolls to the museums and historic sites, and sprinting through the spray of a water hose in the backyard.
Set in Puerto Rico, the book, too, pays homage to a unique childhood on the island, colored by descriptions of El Morro, the cruise-liners and big freighters in the ocean, and frolicking in the sea with stingrays. The verses sparkle with this island song, flitting from the joys of the seaside to the cool nights under the stars.
Caraballo introduces the reader, aged 3 to 7, to a strong grandparent and grandchild relationship. Complemented by vibrant illustrations, this is a book to share with a child on a very special day.
Winner of the Reading with Energy Hispanic Children’s Literature Award
“. . . the spirit comes through, making this ode to an island home a selection with wide appeal.”—School Library Journal
“. . . will strike a response in readers, whether recent immigrants or not.”—Booklist
SAMUEL CARABALLO was born in Vieques, a gorgeous, tiny island off the East Coast of Puerto Rico. He spent many of his childhood days playing in the countryside hills and picking mango and guavas, his favorite tropical fruits. He has served as an interpreter for the courts in cases involving Hispanics and has also dedicated many years to teaching Spanish in several public schools in the United States. He is the author of four bilingual picture books for children, Estrellita se despide de su isla / Estrellita Says Good-bye to Her Island (Piñata Books, 2002), Mis abuelos y yo / My Grandparents and I (Piñata Books, 2004), My Big Sister / Mi hermana mayor (Piñata Books, 2012), and Estas Manos: Manitas de mi familia / These Hands: My Family’s Hands (Piñata Books, 2014). He lives in Virginia with his family.
Learn more at samuelmcaraballo.com.
D. NINA CRUZ holds a BFA from Paier College of Art in Connecticut. As a young girl, you could always find her daydreaming or drawing – a combination that has led her to illustrate The Rowdy, Rowdy Ranch / Allá en El Rancho Grande (Piñata Books, 2004) and other children’s books. Her paintings reflect the places she has visited and her Latino culture. Nina lives in Northern New Jersey and enjoys spending time with her eleven nieces and nephews.
ETHRIAM CASH BRAMMER DE GONZALES is a widely published poet, screenwriter, and fiction writer. He is the translator of Lucas Guevara (Arte Publico Press, 2003), the first Spanish-language novel of immigration to the United States originally published in 1914, and The Adventures of Don Chipote, or, When Parrots Breast-Feed (Arte Publico Press, 2000), by Daniel Venegas and published originally in Spanish in 1928. He currently lives in Detroit, Michigan with his family.
ATOS Interest Level: Lower Grades
Category: Picture Book
ATOS English: 4.0
ATOS Spanish: 4.5 |
Accelerated Reader Quiz #: 84328
