Remembering

"Today I prepare your favorite meal and serve it in your special place." Following the death of family dog Simon, a Latinx-cued child readies for Día de Muertos to celebrate the loved pet's life. Gathering Simon's favorite items with a serious air, the child next pours water "for you, my constant companion," gathers objects from the animal's favorite trail, and, with family, lights candles and creates a path of petals "to guide your way home." González employs a slightly melancholic tone, offering a stirring invocation of the power of healing alongside loved ones. Saturated mural-style illustrations by Garcia portray swirls moving around the family's home, where the four figures gaze at photographs of the dog that extend, like living memories, beyond their frames, building to an image of the child interacting with the pet in front of an altar: "This is the way we remember you." Creators' notes and information on building an ofrenda conclude. Ages 4--8. (Aug.)

In González and Garcia's latest collaboration, a Latine child builds a loving altar for the family dog. When faced with the death of a beloved pet, the unnamed young narrator of this striking picture book methodically collects materials to construct an ofrenda, an altar associated with Dia de los Muertos consisting of photos, candles, foods, and other items to remind loved ones of the departed. The narrator "[gathers] all your treasured toys and bring[s] you the brightest flowers." In the acrylic illustrations, swirls and paw prints representing the canine's spirit surround the family as they mourn and remember. They spread flower petals to make a path to their front door "to guide your way home, on this sacred night… / when we welcome back our loving, loyal friends." Even the most cynical reader might find themselves choking back tears at the beautiful, plaintive text and the lush, realistic illustrations in which the beloved dog is too memorable and too large to even fit within the borders of photo frames. If that doesn't put a reader over the top, emotionally, the author's and illustrator's notes will; both of them drew inspiration from the losses of their own pets. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A gorgeous, deeply touching exploration of grief and remembrance. (information on building an ofrenda) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.