"Abuela and Mama teach the children to braid
baskets tight and strong. Like generations before
them, families weave sweet-scented ocoxal leaves
and memories together.
A tradition they know by heart.
A frenzy of orange and black.
Together, monarchs chase tomorrow's dreams.
Joining in a flight their families have made for
generations.
A flight they know by heart."
Lucia and her father sit together quietly, watching and wishing. At the same time, on the facing page, the monarchs are stretching and shifting positions. It's springtime - coming closer to the days when Papa and the monarchs will leave for their time north of where they are now.
Lucia needs assurance that her father will return. A warm hug is the promise she gets, and he is gone. At the same time, the monarchs take flight for their long journey. Migration north is as normal for Lucia's father as it is for the monarchs. For Papa and the butterflies, the journey is a long search for work and new life. Papa works wherever he can find a job with the harvest. The work is tedious; he finds comfort in the presence of the monarchs.
At home, Lucia waits and worries. The days pass slowly. She sings the songs her father has taught her to keep him close. As the weather turns colder, Lucia rushes to celebrate the return of the butterflies and experience a 'flicker of hope' for Papa's return. When she finally sees him, they run to each other, arms and hearts wide open.
The telling is heartfelt. The artwork, created using gouache, watercolor, colored pencils, and crayon finished digitally, is rich in color and atmosphere. A glossary follows, as does an author's note and suggestions for helping make life better for migrant workers, their families, and for the monarch butterfly.
"When the weather turns cold and the monarcas return, our winged ancestors will guide me home."
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