"Mariana smiled as she opened the book
and looked at the colorful pictures.
"This is the Big Bad Wolf," she said.
"un Lobo," Abuelita said.
"Un lobo," Mariana repeated."
It's the first time Mariana has visited Mexico with her Mami. She is surprised by so many things: the mismatched buildings, the noise, the street music, the food sellers, and Spanish spoken everywhere. It is her first visit to her Abuelita's house since she was much younger.
Abuelita is overjoyed to see her daughter and granddaughter, welcoming Mariana with a hug and many kisses. The whole family is there to say hello. Luckily, Mariana has seen pictures and recognizes many of the faces. Still, she is feeling shy and a bit overwhelmed. While her cousins play, she prefers to sit with Mami and watch. After a bit, she is comfortable enough to offer gifts to the children. One present is left.
""This one is for agualita." Mariana blushed
as all of her tios and primos began to giggle.
"It's abuelita," Mami said.
"Oh," Mariana whispered.
Mariana was so embarrassed, she wished she could hide."
Abuelita quickly invites her granddaughter over to her chair to read a book together. It is the just-right opening for the two to move on to another shared experience: making quesadillas with help from her cousins. Later, when Abuelita opens Mariana's gift, she quickly adds the new photograph to the family picture wall displayed so lovingly. Now, Mariana feels 'part of the family'.
"Familia."
Erika Meza created her heartfelt art using 'watercolor pencils, gouache and childhood memories'. Her perspectives allow readers to cast an empathetic eye on Mariana as she first encounters her extended family and her grandmother. The colors are bright and welcoming, the people filled with expression and love.
What a lovely debut this is!
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