Precious

Struggling with the absence of their patriarch, a Puerto Rican family prepares for an impending hurricane. Pedrito's father has found work on the mainland and plans to bring the family there soon, but they miss him dearly. As they stock up on supplies and board up windows, Pedrito worries; that night, he dreams of a ferocious wolf chasing him as he attempts to save a helpless dog. The next morning, with the storm past, he and his older brother, Juan, rescue a small dog from the rubble. Pedrito quickly bonds with the pup; as he curls up with her in bed, the wolf from his nightmares is permanently banished. He's heartbroken when she returns to her actual owner; he feels her absence--and his father's--keenly. One night, Pedrito's mother encourages him to sing, something he hasn't done since his father left. The music lifts his spirits, and soon their neighbors join in, singing "Preciosa," a love letter to Puerto Rico. As time goes on, the family is reunited, with an unexpected addition: one of the dog's puppies, whom Pedrito names Preciosa. Featuring appealingly stylized, long-limbed characters, the artwork uses varied angles and compositions to chart Pedrito's believable journey through hardship while conveying the healing power of community and music. An uplifting story of resilience in the face of loss and natural disaster.(Picture book. 4-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.