Review by Booklist Review
González's poignant words and Quiles' vibrant, soft illustrations combine to tell the story of the rebuilding of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017, as protagonist Elena's family survives the natural disaster and then works to rebuild their home and community. In a series of heart-wrenching images, Elena and her family shelter inside during the hurricane, watching it destroy their home and everything they care about: their beloved mango tree, the roof of their home, and their neighbors' homes. When they emerge from the rubble, the natural beauty of the island is gone--or at least seems forever changed. As Elena and her family work to adapt to their new lives and piece their home back together, the return of the native coqui frogs and their song reminds her of the resilience and strength of Puerto Rico. The book's glossary and author's note provide more background about the events that inspired this book and the Spanish vocabulary used. The text, published in both English and Spanish versions, pairs with the textured and multidimensional illustrations to share this emotional and moving story about family and survival.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
One family's resilience amid disaster is the soaring note in this full-throated tribute to Puerto Rico's survival following Hurricane María. At sunrise, amid the rural lushness of the child's mountain home, narrator Elena climbs atop a corrugated roof to pick from Abuela's mango tree, its fruit, writes González, "the sweetest snack." "And when night falls, a song fills the air"--the serenade of the coquí frogs--to which Elena responds, "Co-quí, Co-qui. Oh, how I love thee." That love proves sustaining as a hurricane tears the roof from the family's house and defoliates the countryside. The family emerges, "wet and scared, but we are alive," in a picture book that centers garden as gathering place, "where seeds of hope are planted." Quiles communicates abundance, joy, and loss through expressive brushwork: the jewel-toned gouache and acrylics, finished digitally, produce detailed, almost-pluckable mangoes, while rough strokes depict the coming-apart of the fabric of daily life. Endnotes convey the larger message: self-determination for Puerto Rico. Available in English and Spanish editions. Ages 4--8. (Aug.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
Gonzalez's debut picture book follows Elena and her family in Puerto Rico before, during, and after Hurricane Maria, which devastated the archipelago in 2017. Elena loves picking ripe mangoes from her family's tree and singing along with the coquies, Puerto Rico's beloved tree frogs, in the evening. When the hurricane strikes, Elena and her family take shelter in a closet and remain safe even after the roof is torn off their house. After the storm, Elena is heartbroken by the now-bare mango tree and the silence of the coquies. She is comforted by her family and community members; Papi assures her that both the coquies and their neighborhood will "come back." A hopeful yellow permeates Quiles's textured gouache and acrylic, digitally finished illustrations, visible in the flesh of a mango, candlelight during the storm, glowing seeds of "gold," and finally the returning coquies. Gonzalez's sensory text captures Elena's complex feelings, the lingering damage in the aftermath of the hurricane, and the ways she finds optimism and strength in her community and nature. A glossary, information about coquies and rebuilding efforts post-Maria, and personal notes from the author and illustrator are appended. Concurrently published in Spanish as Los coquies aun cantan. Monica de los Reyes September/October 2022 p.59(c) Copyright 2022. 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
The sounds of returning coquí frogs bring hope after a devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico. Elena, a child, lives with their abuela, papí, and younger brother in an idyllic tropical home. The mango tree in the yard provides sweet fruit and shade, and the coquíes sing their song in the garden every night. Disaster comes in the form of Hurricane María, which makes landfall on Elena's island. Howling winds and rain pummel the family's home and devastate the landscape. The storm is harrowing, but the family makes it through. Elena's beloved mango tree has been severely damaged, and "the coquíes' song is silent." Elena and their neighbors work to rebuild their homes and community. Elena processes the numerous losses they have experienced and waits patiently for the coquíes to return. When the mango tree begins to sprout new buds, Abuela reminds Elena how strong they are. When the coquí song again rings out, Elena knows that even though their home is forever changed, some things will always remain the same. This is a poignant family story that details a real-life tragic event and the courage of its survivors. González's melodic text sings, like Elena's beloved coquíes, while Quiles' gouache and acrylic artwork pops with vibrant hues and textures. Elena has brown skin and wavy brown hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A heartfelt reminder that even in the most difficult times, dreaming of a better tomorrow strengthens family and community. (glossary, information on Hurricane María, author's and illustrator's notes, list of organizations devoted to conservation and biodiversity efforts) (Picture book. 6-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
