DON'T WORRY

Orichuia’s picture book sees a young girl calling upon neighbors and collecting ingredients to bake her mother a cake.

Nina, who appears to be pale-skinned and early grade-school age, prepares to make a birthday cake for her Mamma with her Papà’s help. They have no ingredients, so she visits neighbors to borrow what she needs: flour from Zia Maria, eggs and sugar from Nonna Giovanna, and milk from Nonno Carlo. Overburdened, Nina drops all the foodstuffs, but then the same neighbors show up with food for a surprise party. When Nina’s mum comes home, they all celebrate together. Orichuia tells a straightforward tale, drawing the reader in with repetition before twisting the narrative with unexpected calamity (which is quickly remedied). The character names and use of occasional Italian words (ciao, amore, grazie, and more) lend a multicultural feel. Dipasquale’s drawing style is reminiscent of Beginner Books of the 1970s, employing a limited color palette of light, textured pastels to great effect on white backgrounds. A sense of happiness and community flows through the story, leading exquisitely into the brief despair of Nina’s mishap. A preponderance of pets—tortoise, rabbit, cat, pigeons—adds further vibrancy.

A sweet story celebrating the open, familial nature of an urban community.