THE MUÉGANOS

Splitting up never tasted so bittersweet.

The Muéganos, much like the Mexican candy they’re named for, like to really stick together. Shoulder to shoulder, the square-shaped familia—Papá, Mamá, Julia, and Julia’s siblings (all brown rabbitlike creatures)—does everything together. “Julia thinks it is a little boring.” Whether they’re swimming, brushing their teeth, or taking goofy photos, the Muéganos are never alone. And Julia “wouldn’t have it any other way.” A day at the museum, however, leads to an unexpected break in tradition when Julia gets the urge to check out other things from what the familia agreed on. A crack emerges, and the Muéganos’ once unbreakable bond unravels, setting the eldest daughter free. Mexican author/illustrator Jours packs an emotional wallop in this work, a potent meditation on often complicated familial bonds, nascent individuality, and parental love. The spare yet evocative text moves along in a whispered tone, pulling readers in piece by piece. Brushed with browns, Jours’ artwork favors simplicity in shapes and movement, leveraging the smallest of gestures and even the book gutter in key scenes to fantastic effect. The inclusion of family photos from the artist further underscores the themes that precede.

A marvelous portrait of the thrills and chills of leaving childhood.