Con mucho amor

March 1, 2022
After moving to a "new home" in the southeastern United States, Rocio finds herself missing her "other home" in Central America, where she'd lived with her grandmother, aunt, and cousins. She visits there in her imagination, recalling everything from the "smell of spicy peppers and burnt sugar" to the "soft rustling of pinatas that hung from the ceiling" of her abuela's small grocery store. In her picture-book debut, Sanchez (We Are Not from Here, rev. 9/20) evokes, with rich sensory detail, Rocio's memories of lovingly prepared food (Abuela's warm tortillas smell "sweet and fresh, like the damp earth after a soft rain"), and Ceolin's (Hanukkah Hamster, rev. 11/18) illustrations feature abundant star motifs and geometric patterns inspired by the traditional textiles Abuela wears. But it's Abuela herself that Rocio misses most of all. Her longing for her beloved grandmother is palpable, as is her delight when a package, covered in stamps, arrives on the morning of her birthday. It's not spoiling the surprise to say that it was sent by her abuela, "con mucho amor." While the contents of the package are satisfying, Rocio's emotional connection to Abuela -- one that spans the star-sprinkled sky -- remains central to this story. Happily, Rocio finds a way to send lots of love back home to Abuela, too. Concurrently published in Spanish as Con mucho amor. Anamaria Anderson

(Copyright 2022 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

Starred review from February 1, 2022
Grades K-3 *Starred Review* This gorgeously illustrated story captures a lot of heart in its 32 pages as it explores themes of love and family. The Spanish translation of With Lots of Love (2022), it tells the tale of Rocio, a girl who moves from Central America to the U.S. with her family. Struggling with homesickness, Rocio reflects upon the life she knew before and, most significantly, the beloved abuela she left behind. Fond memories of the grandmother swirl across the pages, revealing Abuela's delicious cooking, her soft voice and small grocery store, and the colorful pi�atas she made. One night, Rocio wishes upon a star and awakens the next day to a thoughtful gift from Abuela that fills her heart with joy. The book encapsulates themes of family love and how it can transcend distance, and how home truly is where the heart is. Richly hued illustrations in turquoise, terracotta, red, and peach form stunning scenes, mixing elements of Rocio's old and new life and harnessing light from night skies and glowing windows. Ceolin also incorporates traditional designs and patterns into his artwork, subtly weaving Rocio's heritage throughout the story. Touching and sweetly realistic, this is an ideal book for to those who miss a close family member or are finding home. A must-have selection for bilingual or Spanish-speaking youngsters.

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