Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Billy adores his Nana, who wears a belted vest in Bermudez's colorful art. He loves baking cherry empanadas alongside her, listening to her sing, and putting on shows together for their family and friends. As they prepare for their "best show ever," Billy is worried when his Nana asks him to remind her of their plans. Later, he brings his concern to his mother, who reassures him that though Nana sometimes forgets things, they can still do all of their favorite activities together. When his sister wakes up with a cough the morning of the program, Billy is momentarily discouraged before he gets an idea: "I know who the best singer is," writes Mora. He summons his Nana, and together they sing, helping one another recall their favorite songs in both Spanish and English. Back matter offers an empanada recipe and insights into discussing Alzheimer's with children. A winning story that also serves as a useful family resource. Ages 4--8. (Oct.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--In this title, celebrated author Mora depicts a family coping with a loved one's slow progression of dementia/Alzheimer's disease. In Billy's close-knit Hispanic family, Nana bakes empanadas, sings, directs plays, and reads books with him. As her memory begins to fade, Billy worries about her. His mother counsels him to help Nana remember things and focus on the many activities that they enjoy doing together. When Billy's sister gets sick on the eve of a neighborhood play, Nana is able to fill in and sing her part. Mora does an admirable job portraying a family dealing with the long-term reality of dementia. The incorporation of Spanish words into the text without providing translation is refreshing and illustrations by Alyssa Bermudez (Lucía the Luchador) add another dimension to the family in small details like the pattern of the dishes, and the empanadas sprinkled throughout the book. An author's note offers personal history about Mora's parents ,who suffered from dementia, and talking points for discussing the disease with young children. A recipe for cherry empanadas is included in the back of the book. VERDICT Although the "happy" ending may mislead some readers, the book is worthwhile purchase that provides valuable talking points about dementia and Alzheimer's with young children.--Jennifer Knight, North Olympic Library System, Port Angeles, WA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Mora pens a story about a boy concerned about Nana's memory loss.After dinner, Billy, his two young siblings, mom, dad, and grandmother make the final preparations on their patio for their annual neighborhood show, which will be staged the following evening. "Tomorrow will be our best show ever, right Nana?" asks Billy. But Nana, uncertain, says: "Remind me Billy, what are we doing this year?" After Billy and his siblings, Becky and Chris, remind Nana, they rehearse. Later, Nana tells him, "Billy, sometimes your Nana forgets things, but we help each other, don't we?" That evening, Billy confides in his mom that he's worried about Nana. The next morning, Becky, the singer in the show, wakes with a sore throat and cough, and Billy worriesbut all goes well when Nana joins Billy for the grand finale. Set against a desertlike landscape, Bermudez's colorful, vibrant scenes offer a window and a mirror to culture and custom, as when the brown-skinned Latinx family bow heads and hold hands around the table; cherry empanadas rest on decorated plates. After dinner, guests arrive, and the show commences. In Billy's narration, simple Spanish phrases appear unapologetically and without translation. An author's note delves into her grandparents' experience with dementia and offers useful tips in talking to young children about Alzheimer's.A tender tribute to families who have loved ones suffering from dementia. (recipe) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
