Review by Booklist Review
This Spanish-infused picture book, with vibrant illustrations by González that will warm up any winter day, follows Latinx Gabo as he tries to make new friends after it snows in his neighborhood. The charming narrative pairs seamlessly with the colorfully detailed art, which utilizes a bright palette, conjuring up the feeling of sunshine upon a new snowfall. Gabo, not having winter gear or clothing--and, worst of all, no sled--is shy about approaching the other children, but, with some encouragement from friendly neighbors, help from his Mami, and unexpected gifts, he learns that being creative and openminded can lead to new friendships and an unforgettable day outside. Otheguy's dialogue, mixing Spanish and English, captures the tentativeness and reluctance of many children, like Gabo, to try something new and put themselves out there, while the illustrations offer a nostalgic take on winter playdates and the brilliance of childhood. In the end, after a long day of playing, Gabo looks forward to sharing some sweet treats with new friends.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In Otheguy's gently bilingual, community-centered narrative, Gabo, a shy Latinx child with orange skin who wears a blue jacket, is new in town, and unprepared to join classmates on the hill outside on "the day it snowed." With help from Mami ("Vamos a resolver"), Gabo heads out wearing layered socks and Papi's rolled yellow beanie, with plastic bags tied around his sneakers, determined to find a sled and perhaps join the other kids. He runs into friendly neighbors Señor Ramos, Señora Tobón, Tío Tim, and Madrina, who each encourage Gabo in their own way--especially Madrina, who hands him a plastic lunch tray from the school cafeteria where she works. When Señor Ramos's granddaughter Isa, also orange-skinned, approaches him, Gabo gets to share what he's received. González adds textural digital illustrations reminiscent of Mary Blair and vintage holiday cards, illuminating spreads with highlighter pinks, yellows, and greens. This sweet tale will thaw readers' hearts with its themes of resourcefulness and friendship. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 1--Winter adventures await Gabo just outside the frosted glass of his kitchen window, but his socks are only cotton, his cap is too small, and he has no sled for coasting down the hills with the other kids. Some quick ingenuity from his mother amends his wardrobe, but the boy is still without a sled. A handful of visits from neighbors, relatives, and new friends show Gabo that it's not about what he doesn't have, but what he can do with the things he has. The concurrent conflicts of Gabo's shyness and his hunt for a sled duel for reader attention, but Otheguy's unhurried, lyrical approach to the story's central problems are of a piece with the message that life is constantly presenting opportunities for happiness, if you know how to look for them. The book's setting, a snowbound neighborhood populated by Hispanic characters who naturally shift between English and Spanish, is a unique and welcoming locale. Gonzalez's artwork possesses a sunny palette that will put readers in mind of Karen Katz and Pat Hutchins, and the warm, pleasing note that the book ends on is sure to attract fans of that duo's work. VERDICT A distinct mise-en-scène paired with a toasty, traditional message distinguishes this story of snowy self-discovery.--Jose Cruz, Shannon Staub P.L., North Port, FL
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Review by Horn Book Review
On a snowy day, shy, tentative Gabo breathes a small peephole onto the frosted kitchen window to see kids sledding down the neighborhood hill, in a joyful, noisy tangle. Eager to join, but reluctant to leave the safety zone of his cozy home, Gabo notes his lack of sled, wool socks, and snow boots, all of which would be needed for venturing outside. "Vamos a resolver," Mami responds, assembling layered socks, plastic bags, and Papi's knitted cap, countering with abundance and improvisation any perception of lack. With Mami's encouragement, and with the dazzle of colors and life contrasting against the bright, fresh snow, Gabo sets out to find a sled, meeting along the way friendly neighbors -- including Misifu, a spirited cat, and Sancho, a rambunctious dog -- who, like Mami, model ways to make new friends. Gonzalez's digital illustrations, watercolor-esque in their light-filled, saturated mix of pastel and neon hues, illuminate Otheguy's richly descriptive narrative, amplifying the sensory experiences throughout Gabo's day -- the sticky delight of warm dulce de leche eaten straight from the can in spoonfuls, the glow-y happiness of sharing Christmas turron with a new friend, the speedy thrill of sledding downhill. Skillfully avoiding didacticism, the book speaks to the desire to belong, the complex fears that inhibit participation, and what generous love and taking risks with confidence might offer. Concurrently published in Spanish as Un trineo para Gabo. Lettycia Terrones March/April 2021 p.67(c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Waking up on a cold winter morning to fresh snow makes little Gabo wish for nothing more than a sled…and maybe a new friend. Gabo walks into the kitchen to the familiar sounds of the old steam radiator whistling and a can in a saucepan on the stove, bouncing as the water boils, when he sees children from his new school sledding outside. Gabo very much wants to join them, but his hat is too small, his socks are cotton (not wool), and his shoes are not waterproof. And he doesn't have a sled. Gabo's mom helps out, and with his dad's hat, four pairs of socks, and plastic bags over his sneakers, he is ready to go outside. Gabo comes across different neighbors and family members in his community, and eventually he makes a new friend who is good at thinking outside the box and teaches him that a cafeteria tray can be a sled with a little imagination. This sweet story centers a Latinx family and touches on issues of poverty. Spanish words and phrases are scattered throughout, accessible to non--Spanish speakers through context, though some touches (such as the dulce de leche Gabo enjoys with his new friend at the end of the day) are left unexplained for readers familiar with the culture to savor. The illustrations are bright and cheerful, making everything stand out nicely against the snowy day. Big expressions on Gabo's face will be easy for young kids to identify and relate to what he is feeling across his journey. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 48.5% of actual size.) A charming winter story about friendship and making do with love. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
