The last tamale

PreS-Gr 1--In a family where even the Chihuahuas dream of tamales, Luis looks forward to his family's annual tamalada--a tamale-making party where the extended family comes together to make tamales using a secret, unwritten recipe. All is love and harmony during the party, until there is a squabble over who will get the last tamale. In accordance with family tradition, the three children--Luis, Letty, and Jacob--who want the tamale must engage in battle. In round one, cousin Letty loses the dance competition. In round two, Luis unexpectedly beats his brother Jacob in a lucha libre wrestling match. In the hardest test, Luis must arm wrestle his larger-than-life grandmother, the woman who started the tamalada tradition. To his immense surprise, Luis is victorious, but that's not the end of the tale, and readers will devour the ending. Martinez's vibrant illustrations capture the energy of the tamale battle while simultaneously including elements of Latinx culture throughout (including the colorful wrestling costumes and intricate papel picado). When Luis's grandmother emerges from a cloud of smoke for the match, everyone feels the matriarch's strength and solidity, carrying the family forward while anchoring the past. VERDICT A beautiful love letter to Latinx culture celebrating the importance of family culinary traditions.--Sally A. James

A Latine boy goes up against his family in a three-round battle for the last tamale. Luis loves getting together with his family for a tamalada: a tamale-making party. It's a fun tradition; even the dog wants a bite. As the family enjoys the treats, Abuelita tells Luis that the recipe isn't written down but that the secret ingredient is love. Luis' father asks, "Who wants the last one?" Luis, his brother, Jacob, and his cousin, Letty, all do! A Tamale Battle ensues. Letty's eliminated during the dance round. Next up is a lucha libre match. Jacob's a great luchador, but Luis' dance skills help him dodge his brother--and put him in a headlock. Time for the final round: Luis must arm-wrestle Abuelita! It isn't easy, but whenever Luis finds himself struggling, he focuses on the wonderful smell and taste of the tamales. At last, Luis wins. But there's one more competitor he wasn't considering! Explosively bright colors and fantastical sequences (Luis and Jacob facing off in a wrestler's ring, Abuelita appearing suddenly out of a cloud of smoke) ramp up the humor and the drama. Details in the artwork--paintings on the wall, a blanket on the couch--add to the intimate flavor. A third-generation Mexican American, Mendiola concludes with an author's note discussing his own family's experiences with making tamales, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. A fun, sweet--and savory--celebration of family and culture. (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.