A boy and his monster confront their mutual fears in this unlikely friendship story that's rooted in Mexican folklore. Ramón is a little boy who can't sleep. He is nervous for his first day at a new school. And El Cucuy is the monster who lives in Ramón's cactus pot. He can't sleep, either. It turns out that El Cucuy is scared, too!
This gentle, perceptive story explores the worries that can accompany moving to a new place and beginning a new journey--and reveals how comfort, bravery, and strength can be found through even the most unexpected of friendships.
Publication date
July 13, 2021
Genre
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781419744457
Publisher
Abrams Books for Young Readers
Series
The Unlikely Aventuras of Ramón and El Cucuy
Universe
The Unlikely Aventuras of Ramón and El Cucuy
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship JUV039090 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | New Experience JUV052000 - Juvenile Fiction | Monsters JUV012070 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, Fables | Caribbean & Latin American
Library of Congress categories
Moving, Household Monsters Fear First day of school
Publishers Weekly
Ramón, a dark-haired, light brown-skinned child, has just moved to New York with his family in this tender picture book debut. Feeling homesick and apprehensive, he can’t sleep; soon, El Cucuy, a cape-clad gray creature with sharp teeth ("also known as the Mexican Boogeyman," according to an author’s note), reveals that he can’t, as well. The duo exchange their concerns: Ramón worries about making new friends at a new school, while El Cucuy-who lives in Ramón’s cactus pot-worries about a lack of small, dark spaces in which to hide and whether people will know to fear him. As Ramón comforts and reassures El Cucuy, he soon finds strength to face his own fears. Higuera gracefully interweaves Spanish and English, while Perdomo’s subtly textured digital illustrations feature vibrant colors and geometrically stylized scenes. A delightful infusion of folklore makes this new-school narrative stand out. Back matter includes author’s and illustrator’s notes. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2021 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-Ramón and El Cucuy share a bedroom, with El Cucuy making his home in a small cactus pot. After leaving their home for New York, these two unusual roommates begin to share their fears with one another. Ramón wonders whether his new school will be different from his old one. What about the students there, will they be friendly? El Cucuy wonders whether there will be enough hiding spots for him. What if he can't find a small, quiet space? Ramón and El Cucuy share memories of what life was like before-how Ramón was brave and able to ignore El Cucuy with a song, and how El Cucuy made his eyes glow red and howled in the night. Fun, colorful illustrations bring to life a legendary creature from Latin American folklore, and paint fears and worries in a different light. The short text, mostly a conversation between the boy and El Cucuy, calmly explores the worries that come with changes, such as moving to a new city, starting at a new school, and making new friends. A unique picture book featuring two very unlikely friends who show young readers the importance of supporting one another and discover that everyone has fears of their own. VERDICT A sweet choice for most picture book collections.-Selenia Paz, Harris County P.L., Houston.
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
This exploration of children in transition reminds readers that change can make even El Cucuy insecure.
Donna Barba Higuera grew up in Central California and now lives in the Pacific Northwest. She has spent her entire life blending folklore with her experiences into stories that fill her imagination. Now she weaves them to write picture books and novels. Donna's first book, Lupe Wong Won't Dance, won a Sid Fleischman Award for Humor and a Pura Belpré Honor. Her second novel, The Last Cuentista, received the John Newbery Medal and the Pura Belpré Award. It was named one of the Best Books of the Year by the Boston Globe, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Wall Street Journal, and TIME. Donna Barba Higuera creció en el centro de California y ahora vive en el noroeste del Pacífico. Ha pasado toda su vida mezclando el folclore con sus experiencias en historias que llenan su imaginación. Ahora las teje para escribir libros ilustrados y novelas. El primer libro de Donna, Lupe Wong No Baila, ganó el premio Sid Fleischman al humor y el honor Pura Belpré. Su segunda novela, La última cuentista, recibió la Medalla John Newbery y el Premio Pura Belpré. Fue nombrado uno de los mejores libros del año por el Boston Globe, Minneapolis Star Tribune, Wall Street Journal y TIME.
