A cozy story of family treasures that sustain connections across the miles.
Abuela’s visit sparks a sweet celebration of the presents—and presence—she brings.
The young narrator anxiously anticipates her grandmother’s arrival; it’s been three years since Abuela last visited. When the family picks up Abuela at the airport, her maletas—suitcases—make a mountain in the trunk of the car. What treasures might be inside from nuestra tierra, the family’s homeland? Candies, storybooks, and soft alpaca blankets, along with messages from loved ones far away, fill the home. Though the child has never been to the family’s homeland, it’s still an integral part of her, and the gifts help her feel connected. The sweets are fleeting, just like Abuela’s all too brief visit. But before she goes, Abuela leaves behind one bonus treasure so that the little one can share the love until Abuela returns. Medina’s thick-lined cartoon images are drawn with simplicity yet are deeply expressive; the protagonist’s emotions are palpable. Though context clues indicate that Abuela has traveled from Peru, that’s never explicitly mentioned in the text, which will allow many readers to see themselves in this story, though those with Peruvian heritage may find additional richness. Indeed, this tale of bridging gaps is sure to especially resonate with immigrant families, as well as those who find themselves far from their roots.
A cozy story of family treasures that sustain connections across the miles. (Picture book. 3-8)Pub Date: April 16, 2024
ISBN: 9780593462423
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: Feb. 3, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2024
A tale of mutual adoration that hits a sweet note.
Little Honey Bunny Funnybunny loves baseball almost as much as she loves her big brother P.J.—though it’s a close-run thing.
Readers familiar with the pranks P.J. plays on his younger sibling in older episodes of the series (most illustrated by Roger Bollen) will be amused—and perhaps a little confused—to see him in the role of perfect big brother after meeting his swaddled little sister for the first time in mama’s lap. But here, along with being a constant companion and “always happy to see her,” he cements his heroic status in her eyes by hitting a home run for his baseball team and then patiently teaching her how to play T-ball. After carefully coaching her and leading her through warm-up exercises, he even sits in the stands, loudly cheering her on as she scores the winning run in her own very first game. “‘You are the best brother a bunny could ever have!’” she burbles. This tale’s a tad blander compared with others centered on P.J. and his sister, but it’s undeniably cheery, with text well structured for burgeoning readers. The all-smiles animal cast in Bowers’ cartoon art features a large and diversely hued family of bunnies sporting immense floppy ears as well as a multispecies crowd of furry onlookers equally varied of color, with one spectator in a wheelchair.
A tale of mutual adoration that hits a sweet note. (Early reader. 6-8)Pub Date: Jan. 6, 2026
ISBN: 9798217032464
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2026
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2026
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren.
In talk-show host Fallon and illustrator Ordóñez’s latest picture-book collaboration, an elderly pooch waxes rhapsodic about a life well lived.
Observing Papa sitting in his chair watching TV all day, a young pup says, “I’m starting to think…you don’t do ANYTHING.” So Papa proceeds to list his accomplishments, both big and small, mundane and profound. Some are just a result of being older and physically bigger (being tall enough to reach a high shelf and strong enough to open jars); others include winning a race and performing in a band when he was younger. Eventually, the pup realizes that while Papa may have slowed down in his old age, he’s led a full life. The most satisfying thing about Papa’s life now? Watching his grandchild take center stage: “I can say lots of thoughts / but I choose to be quiet. / I’d rather you discover things and then try it.” Fallon’s straightforward text is sweetly upbeat, though it occasionally lacks flow, forcing incongruous situations together to fit the rhyme scheme (“I cook and I mow, / and I once flew a plane. // I play newspaper puzzles because it’s good for my brain”). Featuring uncluttered, colorful backgrounds, Ordóñez’s child-friendly digital art at times takes on sepia tones, evoking the sense of looking back at old photos or memories. Though the creators tread familiar ground, the love between Papa and his little one is palpable.
A tale of intergenerational bonding to be shared by grandparents and grandchildren. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: May 13, 2025
ISBN: 9781250393975
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Review Posted Online: May 3, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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