Horn Book Herald: December 2024

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alona Millgram. “Fingers crossed it turns out right. / Challah for Shabbat tonight.” Singsong rhymes take readers and listeners step by step as the narrator bakes challah with Grandma, including the fun of waiting together and, later, of Shabbat dinner with family. Illustrations are appealingly varied, from insets showing details of baking to flighty spreads with ingredients and smells dancing across the page. A welcome, warm portrayal of the Jewish Sabbath and of an intergenerational relationship.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro. Since arriving from Havana, Magaly’s talented abuela has “whipped up one Cuban dish after another.” It’s all new and tasty—but when Magaly hears about ropa vieja, literally “old clothes,” she starts to grow concerned...and to hide her favorite garments. Lively, warm-toned digital illustrations display abuela’s “zesty” dishes and Magaly’s funny misunderstanding. Useful and entertaining back matter includes author and illustrator notes, two recipes, brief “Facts About Cuba,” examples of “recipes with imaginative names” from various cultures, and a glossary.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Julia Kuo. A young Taiwanese American girl explains how her family members show their love. Keico A-ma (her grandma) expresses love through cooking, and Julie A-ma through teaching her piano and praying for their family. Her mama “lovingly cuts platters of fruit,” and Gene A-gong (grandpa) provides “gentle pats” on the back. Chung’s soothing text is enhanced by Kuo’s digital illustrations that capture tender interactions between the narrator and her family.

Reviewer:

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Paola Escobar. Lucas is excited to show off his school report, but his dad’s truck breaks down and his mom is rushing to her job at the diner. That night Lucas follows a strange light to “the place where the perfect people lived.” When a boy there is shamed for not being perfect, Lucas realizes that his real life, surrounded by chaos, family, and love is “the right kind of imperfect.” Beautifully detailed digital gouache-style illustrations contrast a moonlit city with the white-bright lights of the perfect place.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Kerns

(3) K-3 Max loves his family’s Cantonese food but wishes he could celebrate his birthday at an Italian restaurant. Instead, his extended family gathers at his grandparents’ house where Cantonese specialties—served in blue bowls his grandparents brought from Hong Kong—are on the menu...along with some delicious fusion recipe surprises. Friendly illustrations accompany this celebration of culture and family.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Shelly Swann. According to an end note, “All Souls’ Day...is commemorated around the world...each year on November 2.” In this moving picture book, young Mara accompanies her grandmother (Nene) on their annual tradition of serenading their neighbors, for the first time since her beloved grandfather Popi’s recent death. Deep in grief, Mara at first minimizes others’ losses (deaths of pets; a death five years earlier) compared to her and Nene’s. Nene tells Mara that grief can’t be measured or ranked, but she becomes sadder with every house. Mara takes Nene home and heads back out to finish the task. Heartwarmingly, when she returns, the neighbors have gathered outside and are now serenading them. The illustrations, with echoes of Eastern European folk art, use a palette of grays and purples to reinforce the wintry setting and somber tone.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Teresa Martinez. Luis’s family’s tamalada (a “tamale-making party”) ends in an epic battle for the last tamale. The grandkids compete in a dance competition, lucha libre, and, finally, an arm-wrestling match with Abuelita, the head chef and holder of the family recipe. Bright, cartoony illustrations full of colorful, superhero-comic-esque flair bring this silly fight to life. An author’s note is appended.

Reviewer:

(4) YA Illustrated by Ryan Howe & Nickolej Villiger & RL Alice. In this compact YA graphic novel about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People, Reanna deals with the disappearance of her older sister, Chelsea, and then her mom’s unexpected, grief-fueled move to the city to make “a new life for myself.” Rituals and cultural traditions lessen tensions and help the family cope with loss. While the book contains some distracting subplots, Storm (Ojibwe) handles this family’s story with great sensitivity. The panel illustrations are accessible if somewhat static. An author’s note is appended.

Reviewer: