Abuela's Super Capa

K-Gr 2--Saturdays are special for Luis and his abuela. That's when they don their capes and become superhéroes, enjoying their super milkshakes and catching cupcake thieves. When Abuela doesn't arrive one Saturday, Luis and his little sister Isabel learn that Abuela is not well. When she comes to live with them, Luis tries to give Abuela her cape, but what Abuela really needs is rest. Luis is sure this is goodbye to their superhero identities, until he realizes that there is someone who could be his sidekick. As Luis passes on his special cape to little Isabel, Abuela gifts hers to Luis, and together Luis and Isabel take their abuela on adventures. Bursting with color, this vibrant picture book conveys the special and fun relationship between a grandmother and her grandson, with a darkness falling over the family as Abuela falls ill, and an explosion of color returning as Luis realizes that although things may be different, they can still have fun. Lively text is sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases and reflects the love the family has for Abuela and the uncertainty Luis feels. An extra spread depicts Abuela, Luis, and Isabel together, along with a glossary of Spanish words. VERDICT Beautiful and full of life, this picture book is an excellent choice for gently discussing the illness of a loved one as well as sharing the magical relationship between children and their grandparents. Highly recommended for picture book collections.--Selenia Paz

Abuela's illness is no match for super hugs and a great sidekick in Abuela's Super Capa. The story's emotion-filled bilingual text and vibrant art will be both comforting and affirming for child readers who need to believe in their own superpowers. Good for everyone but, most especially, for kids worried about a sick family member.

— Heidi E.Y. Stemple, author of I Am the Storm