A story of a young Guatemalan boy who loses his beloved pig is a masterpiece of picture-book making. One day Pablito’s grandfather brings him a tiny yellow pig on a leash. The pictures show his excitement and the developing bond between boy and pig. One day when Pablito returns from school, Amarillo is nowhere to be found. Surrounded by barnyard birds and the family cat and dog, Pablito looks in vain for his best friend. Neither mother and sister, weaving colorful fabric, nor father driving an equally colorful bus, has seen him. The previously white background darkens, and the bright colors fade. Pablito pushes his plate away at the dinner table and the whole family visibly shares his sorrow. Alone at night, illuminated by a single candle, Pablito cries into his pillow. Finally, there is resolution on All Saints’ Day, with its traditional kite-flying to send messages to loved ones who’ve died. The pacing of text and pictures, the sense of movement, and the use of space, line, and color are perfect on every page. Sure to become a classic. (Picture book. 4-8)
