A Maleta Full of Treasures

A grandmother's visit reinforces a child's connections to "nuestra tierra, the land where my mom and dad were born, the place they left when I was only a seed," in this satisfying familial tale. The story begins with the child videochatting with Abuela, who's packing las maletas for an upcoming visit. "What would you like me to bring you, mi dulce?" she asks. "Just you," is all the child says, but upon Abuela's arrival, Papi loads the car with maletas "piled high as mountains." And back home, the child finds the suitcases filled with treasures: "Candies in crinkly wrappers. Baked goods in boxes. Story- books and pictures in frames and blankets softer than cotton balls." The young protagonist immediately enjoys the treats but begins to ration "because I know, like Abuela's visit, they won't last forever." As the end approaches and Abuela leaves for home, a surprise foregrounds "all the love I send and the beauty we share." Notes indicate that the tale has roots in Sylvester's memories of relatives visiting from Peru and that Medina's engaging digital illustrations draw inspiration from Andean cultures, whose work inspired the color palette and patterns used. Characters are portrayed with various abilities, ages, body types, and skin tones. Ages 3-5. (Apr.)

PreS-Gr 3--Sylvester tells the story of a girl excited to get to see her grandmother, who is coming from far away. Her grandmother asks what Dulce would like from their home country, Peru. Dulce says she doesn't need things, just Abuela is enough. However, Abuela brings many things from her home--alpaca blankets, delicious candies and cakes--that fill the home with a scent of Peru. The best present of all is spending time with Abuela. Sylvester has recreated an experience that many children will understand: a visit from a relative has sensory details--the crinkly sound of candy wrappers--and grace notes, like taking the floor in Dulce's parents' room so that Abuela can have her bed. Medina perfectly captures the warmth of this family with her adorable, charismatic art. The pictures and context clues will help the non-Spanish speakers figure out the meaning of Spanish words that are lovingly woven into the text. This book has charming themes of family and connecting to family culture, even if it's far away. VERDICT Distance does not diminish the love of family. This is a wonderful book that will be highly relatable to many families. A must-have for any picture book collection.--Debbie Tanner