Graciela, a young girl living in a country south of the U.S., tells of waiting for the gift that her Papi has promised for her seventh birthday. Because of drought, he has had to leave the family to work in the fields of California. Perhaps even more than for the gift, Graciela longs for Papi’s return. Inexplicably, the box never arrives, and Papi is in tears as he sings “Feliz Cumpleaños” over the telephone. Mama gives Graciela a homemade doll with real hair from Graciela’s own trimmed locks. Although initially disappointed, Graciela loves her cornhusk Perdita. After awhile, she uses the money she has saved “for something important” and sends the doll to her father, giving “Papi’s gift” a second meaning. As rain clouds form, Graciela is certain that Papi will soon return and, sure enough, the last picture shows him arriving. This sweet, gentle story of the love between a father and daughter separated by circumstances is enhanced by details in the warm pastel illustrations. (Picture book. 4-6)
