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Cepeda, Joe

Sumo Libre

40 pp. | Little | June, 2024 | Trade ISBN 9780316453721 $18.99
(2) K-3 Neighbors Max and Kenji love wrestling. But Max thinks lucha libre is the "greatest," while Kenji thinks sumo is the "best." When they show each other their favorite moves -- and try to prove which is truly the winning style -- the match devolves into a real tussle. Though the two try to practice on their own (with some unsuspecting pet opponents), they quickly realize, "It's not as much fun being a wrestling fan...by yourself." So they hatch a plan to reunite and stage "the very first-ever SUMO LIBRE match" for the neighborhood, complete with tempura tacos. The text is subtly funny and presents a fresh cultural mashup. Cepeda's (The Best Worst Camp Out Ever, rev. 3/24) brightly colored, hand-painted illustrations in his recognizable loose style are detailed and engaging; the annotated moves on the endpapers may inspire future sumo libre wrestlers (warn your pets!).
Reviewer: | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

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