In this tender, bilingual tribute to his big sister, Pablito recounts all the things she does for him while their parents are at work, sewing “jeans for the whole world.”
Anita wakes him up and makes his breakfast, “Yummy! Yum! / Hot, creamy oatmeal / topped with blueberries and raisins.” She holds his hand while walking him to the bus stop, and when the bus arrives, “I wrap my arms around her. / She tattoos a red kiss on my cheek.” Anita is there to greet him when the yellow school bus drops him off in the afternoon, and she helps him with his homework, “just like Mom and Dad.”
When Pablito’s homework is done, they go outside and play soccer. Then it’s time for dinner, a shower and a book in bed. And finally, their parents are home. “They praise my sister / because she is that big sister any brother would wish for!” And affectionate Pablito is surely the younger brother all kids want.
Caraballo’s sweet lyrical ode to an older sibling, warmly depicted by illustrator Thelma Muraida, will resonate with young children ages 3 to 7 who rely on brothers and sisters to help with meals, homework and fun!
Click here to listen to an interview with Samuel Carraballo about his book, My Big Sister/ Mi hermana mayor.
Named to the 2013-2014 Tejas Star Reading List
“This bilingual tale captures the loving relationship of two latchkey siblings. A charming, if idealized tale highlighting a situation familiar to many children.”—Kirkus Reviews
“An enjoyable tale that does not trivialize the reality of working parents and children as caretakers but chooses instead to focus on the love and spirit of cooperation that makes such situations possible. A wonderful read to model responsibility, family bonding, and having fun with those you love.”—Mamiverse
“Children will admire the sweet devotion between siblings in this book. With lovely turns of phrase, in both English and Spanish, Caraballo portrays a caring relationship…”—Booklist
“Colorful artwork enlivens this wonderful story that is sure to resonate with children [who] rely on siblings for help…highly recommended.”—The Midwest Book Review
“My Big Sister/Mi hermana mayor by Samuel Caraballo is the bilingual story of a little boy named Pablito, who spends the days with his big sister, Anita, while his parents are at work. Anita makes him breakfast, walks him to the school bus, takes him to play after school, and helps him with his homework. If your child is the eldest, he might also be inspired to look after the little ones even more after reading about what Anita does for her brother.”—SpanglishBaby.com
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.
THELMA MURAIDA, an accomplished designer and artist, lives in San Antonio, Texas. She has illustrated Clara and the Curandera / Clara y la curandera by Monica Brown (Piñata Books, 2011), My Big Sister / Mi hermana mayor by Samuel Caraballo (Piñata Books, 2012), and Cecilia and Miguel Are Best Friends / Cecilia and Miguel son mejores amigos (Piñata Books, 2014) by Diane Gonzales Bertrand.
Learn more at thelmamuraida.com.
ATOS Interest Level: Lower Grades
Category: Picture Book
ATOS English: 1.9
ATOS Spanish: 1.9
Accelerated Reader Quiz #: 156457
