With English- and Spanish-speaking grandparents, the child in this story explores the wonders of both cultures. Saturdays are reserved for Grandma and Grandpa. On these days she eats pancakes, plays with Grandma’s owl collection, and listens as Grandpa tells of traveling to America on a steam ship. On Sundays, the little girl visits with Abuelito and Abuelita. At their house, breakfast is huevos rancheros, and to celebrate her birthday they have a piñata. She learns of her Abuelita’s Native American heritage and her Abuelito’s life on a Mexican ranch. The left-hand side of each double-paged spread describes her Saturday activities; the right describes a similar activity at her other grandparents’ house, with a sprinkling of Spanish terms. Even those without a background in Spanish will recognize familiar words and be able to decipher the meaning of unfamiliar ones through the illustrations and context. Bright and colorful watercolor paintings highlight the diversity and similarity in this multicultural celebration. Children eager to explore their own heritage will enjoy watching as the heroine embraces all the diversity in her life. (Picture book. 5-8)
