(1) K-3 With love and humanity--and humor--Velasquez (Looking for Bongo, Grandma's Gift) once again affirms young Black Latinx boys' identities and family experiences. Inspired by her cape-wearing grandson's painting of an octopus superhero, Ramsey's grandmother decides to make pulpo guisado, an octopus stew. Together they go to the market to find the perfect octopus for their dish. Back home, Grandma starts prepping for the stew--and suddenly, strange things start happening in her kitchen. With the exaggerated detail of a tall tale and the pacing and sound effects ("Bloop, Bloop, Bloop, Brrrr") of oral storytelling, Velasquez depicts an intergenerational tale filled with food, family, laughter, and love (fans of Looking for Bongo will find some familiar characters). The oil-paint illustrations effectively convey the story's larger-than-life supernatural elements as well as the protagonists' affectionate relationship; the many shades and features of Afro-Latinx families are displayed, including in a central foldout spread that contains a humorous and effective narrative surprise. An author's note, a glossary of the "non-standard Spanish" used throughout the story (and that Velasquez's own family used at home), and an octopus stew recipe are appended.

Reviewer: Sujei Lugo | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2020

(3) PS A young boy asks members of his family if they have seen Bongo. The toy finally turns up, but the next challenge is catching the mischief-maker who took it. A very simple text incorporates Spanish words and sentences, casually translated in text, context, or illustrations. Realistic, emotive oil paintings contain clever cultural details and depict a close-knit "Afro-Latino family, much like [Velasquez's] own."

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) K-3 In this story based on his childhood, Velasquez describes a memorable first visit with his grandmother to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There they see a portrait that serves as young Eric's inspiration for an artistic career. Realistic-looking oil paintings show scenes of New York, from the staid museum to the barrio's markets where Grandma buys ingredients for a Christmas feast.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(4) K-3 Velasquez tells the story of summers spent listening to recordings of Latin music with his grandmother in El Barrio. The story touches on issues of immigration, but the focus is on young Eric and his grandmother's shared love of music. Figures in the realistic oil paintings are sometimes stiff, but text and art tell a personal story of a special relationship.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden