by Meg Medina Publishers Weekly Abuela has left her house in a sunnier place and moved to the wintry city to live with Mia and her family in their small apartment. Even though Mia and Abuela share a room, the older woman still feels like a "far-away grandmother" because her English is "too poquito" for Mia to speak with her. But Mia won't give up; embracing the role of teacher and enlisting the help of a bilingual pet parrot (the "Mango" in the title) she and Abuela are soon "full of things to say." With its emotional nuance and understated, observant narration-especially where Abuela's inner state is concerned-Medina's (Tia Isa Wants a Car) lovely story has the feel of a novella. Dominguez's (Knit Together) broader, more cartoonlike art initially seems like a mismatch, but she captures the doubt in Abuela's eyes, and her sunny colors and simple characterizations keep the story from sinking into melancholy before it bounces back to its upbeat ending. A Spanish-language edition is available simultaneously. Ages 5-8. Author's agent: Jennifer Rofé, Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Illustrator's agent: Linda Pratt, Wernick & Pratt. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved Book list *Starred Review* Mia is shy about meeting her grandmother, who is moving in with her from the faraway tropics. Abuela speaks Spanish and can't unlock the English words, and Mia's español is not good enough to bridge the divide they both feel. Soon they find ways of getting to know each other walking to the park, rolling masa (dough) for meat pies but it's not enough. Mia decides to teach Abuela English by labeling everything in the house (even the hamster!), and Abuela teaches Mia Spanish in return. One day Mia gives her grandmother a pet parrot, which they name Mango, and he becomes their student trilingual in English, Spanish, and parrot! Pura Belpré Award winner Medina (Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, 2013) and Pura Belpré honoree Dominguez (Maria Had a Little Llama, 2013) have created a poignant tale of intergenerational connection, transition, and patience. The language and vivid illustrations (a colorful blend of ink, gouache, and marker) are infused with warmth and expression, perfectly complementing the story's tone. Abuela's adjustment to her new home is sensitively portrayed as she and Mia bond over their different cultures and shared heritage. Pair with Matt de la Peña's Last Stop on Market Street (2015) for another look at urban multiculturalism. Heartfelt, layered, and beautiful a must for library collections.--Chaudhri, Amina Copyright 2015 Booklist From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission. School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2-Mia is unsure of what to think when her grandma, Abuela, comes to live with her. She must open up her room to share with Abuela, even though the two don't even share a common language. "Abuela and I can't understand each other" Mia confides to her mom. "Things will get better," she tells her, and indeed they do. Through some trial and error, persistence and even a feathered friend, Mia and Abuela find new ways to communicate. "Now, when Abuela and I are lying next to each other in bed, our mouths are full of things to say." In this tale, Medina blends Spanish and English words together as seamlessly as she blends the stories of two distinct cultures and generations. Dominguez's bright illustrations, done in ink, gouache, and marker, make the characters shine as bright as the rich story they depict. The glowing images of Mango, the parrot, a nearly silent star of the book, will win over audiences of all ages but the real magic is in the heartfelt tale of love. Everything about this book will make readers want to share it with someone they love. VERDICT A timeless story with wide appeal.-Megan Egbert, Meridian Library District, ID © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. (c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. |
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