Abuelita's Gift

Starred review from June 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-A heartwarming story of a little girl honoring her family heritage. D�a de Muertos is right around the corner for Julieta and her family. During this time, her family sets up an ofrenda to honor and remember their ancestors. Julieta is a vivacious little girl eager to celebrate her abuela. She begins to work on making a memento for her abuelita, but as she comes up with ideas, Julieta feels lost. With time running out, Julieta finally finds the perfect gift she can give to celebrate Abuelita. Ram�rez does a wonderful job sharing the culture, vocabulary, and symbolism behind the holiday. A glossary is included in the back, as well as an illustrated drawing of an ofrenda. On the page next to the ofrenda illustration, close-ups of each element displayed on it are presented, each with an explanation as to why it's included. This makes this story all the more personal and is also a smart addition for those less familiar with D�a de Muertos. The book is great to share with families of any culture to celebrate and learn. Illustrations are fun and vibrant, adding a pop of color to each page. The story teaches many lessons, especially that even though family members may be lost, we can still celebrate them in different ways. VERDICT A heartwarming story for D�a de Muertos celebrations and displays.-Maeve Dodds

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from August 15, 2024
A young Latine girl and her family prepare for a D�a de los Muertos celebration. Julieta had a special bond with Abuelita, who has recently died. D�a de los Muertos is approaching, and Julieta and her family will add mementos to the ofrenda, an altar with offerings for ancestors. Julieta wants to find a special gift for Abuelita that will let her spirit know that she is dearly missed. But her attempts at weaving a flower crown and folding an origami bird just don't work. Julieta becomes nervous: What if she doesn't have anything to place on the ofrenda in time for the holiday? Then she thinks about the times when she and Abuelita were happiest and remembers that they shared their biggest smiles when they were dancing together. She brings out her dancing shoes, dress, lace fan, and hair combs--shelved since Abuelita's passing--and dances for the family. Julieta feels her grandmother's presence and knows that she and Abuelita will always stay connected. R�os Ram�rez speaks to the complex emotions surrounding loss, while Palacios' earth-toned illustrations, made with gouache, cut paper, and Photoshop, have a quietly intimate feeling. Her textured backgrounds are immersive, while the characters are wonderfully expressive. Young readers experiencing their own grief will see themselves in Julieta and her desire to remember Abuelita. A touching tribute to the pain of losing a loved one--and the joys of honoring them. (author's note, glossary, ofrenda guide)(Picture book. 5-8)

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September 15, 2024
Grades K-3 D�a de Muertos is an important holiday in Mexican culture that allows the living to honor the dead and celebrate their family's memories. The author has written a moving tale of loss, family, and tradition through the story of young Julieta's struggles to make her abuelita smile again during D�a de Muertos. Julieta still mourns her grandmother and tries to honor her by recreating their favorite memories together. As the vivid, warmly illustrated pages turn, readers will relate to and rejoice with Julieta trying to figure out the solution within herself. A glossary of Spanish words and phrases will enhance understanding of the story and traditions of the culture of the Day of the Dead. R�os Ram�rez highlights an illustration of an ofrenda (altar) and explains the distinctive features of its makeup. These extra features complement the stirring story while introducing new words to readers unfamiliar with the tradition. A fantastic addition to any library that could be especially significant around Halloween as an opportunity to celebrate other amazing holidays.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2024
Julieta struggles to add an item honoring Abuelita to her family's Dia de Muertos ofrenda. Nothing seems right, until she thinks outside the box and reflects on what made Abuelita�? and herself�? happiest. The text offers a realistic-seeming and gentle experience of a child's grief, buoyed by the rest of the holiday celebrations. Jewel-toned digital illustrations are sprinkled with marigolds, and ochre-tinged pages indicate memories. An author's note, glossary, and breakdown of common ofrenda elements are appended.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)