Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Ramón, a dark-haired, light brown--skinned child, has just moved to New York with his family in this tender picture book debut. Feeling homesick and apprehensive, he can't sleep; soon, El Cucuy, a cape-clad gray creature with sharp teeth ("also known as the Mexican Boogeyman," according to an author's note), reveals that he can't, as well. The duo exchange their concerns: Ramón worries about making new friends at a new school, while El Cucuy--who lives in Ramón's cactus pot--worries about a lack of small, dark spaces in which to hide and whether people will know to fear him. As Ramón comforts and reassures El Cucuy, he soon finds strength to face his own fears. Higuera gracefully interweaves Spanish and English, while Perdomo's subtly textured digital illustrations feature vibrant colors and geometrically stylized scenes. A delightful infusion of folklore makes this new-school narrative stand out. Back matter includes author's and illustrator's notes. Ages 4--8. (July)
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Review by Horn Book Review
Ramon, a Mexican American boy, is scared of starting school in a new town. El Cucuy, the Bogeyman in Mexican folklore, lives in a cactus pot in Ramon's room. Like Ramon, he too is anxious about being in a foreign setting. By talking it out and remembering the ways they have been there for each other, Ramon and El Cucuy realize that they can take on this new place together. Higuera fluidly intersperses Spanish words throughout the text, and their meanings can be inferred from context. She also inserts other Mexican tributes, for instance when Ramon recalls singing "Cielito Lindo," one of the most popular songs in Mexican culture. These additions grant a depth to Ramon's backstory and show his individuality while highlighting the differences he may encounter in his unfamiliar environment. Perdomo's digital illustrations in vibrant hues pay homage to Ramon's heritage, including the endpapers done in a serape pattern. The drawings appear in a two-dimensional style, but the characters are expressive; El Cucuy's emotive eyes show his vulnerability, making him likable and nonthreatening. This genial story of overcoming one's fears alongside a traditionally feared entity will encourage youngsters to be brave in the face of adversity. Yesica Hurd July/August 2021 p.83(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
Ramón has a frenemy in El Cucuy, an anxious boogeyman. Nothing is the same since Ramón and his family--and El Cucuy--have moved. The house is different, the night noises are different, and the new school will definitely be different. How can El Cucuy's howling and growling frighten the boy when there are much scarier things out there? Will the school be too big? Will the kids make fun of how he speaks? Will he make any friends? He misses his old home, and so does El Cucuy--being uprooted is no fun at all. The frenemies take turns reminiscing about the good old days and reminding each other about when they were each brave and strong. Glowing red eyes in the closet? Who cares! Scratching at the window? Nothing a good loud rendition of "Cielito Lindo" can't overcome. Before anyone can say "boo"--or "¡buuum!"--they're arm in arm, brave and smiling. Higuera's back-and-forth dialogue serves to defuse the duo's mutual fear of the unknown with a point-by-point analysis of each potentially scary scenario. Spanish phrases are peppered throughout (one phrase in error); while there is no glossary, most should be accessible to readers who don't speak the language. Perdomo's whimsical illustrations portray El Cucuy as a hairy, fanged-but-cute dumpling of a monster, a far cry from the more anthropomorphic and mega-frightening creature of Mexican folklore. This exploration of children in transition reminds readers that change can make even El Cucuy insecure. (author's note, illustrator's note) (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
