WITH LOTS OF LOVE, by Jenny Torres Sanchez and André Ceolin, Viking Books for Young Readers, March 8, 2022, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)
With Lots of Love, by Jenny Torres Sanchez and André Ceolin, follows a Central American girl as she adjusts to her new home in the United States.
Rocio has grown up in Central America, but now she and her family are moving to the United States. Rocio does her best to adjust to a new way of living, but there are many things she misses from her old life — Abuela’s cooking, Abuela’s pinata creations, Abuela’s warm hugs, and of course, Abuela herself most of all. But Abuela finds a way to send Rocio something special just in time for her birthday — a gift wrapped with lots of love — and that fills Rocio to the brim. —Synopsis provided by Viking Books for Young Children
With Lots of Love is a beautiful story of love and family. Author Jenny Torres Sanchez writes with emotion, mixing Spanish and English to create an authentic feel. Lovely lines like, “Her voice sounded like a faraway flute,” are sprinkled throughout.
André Ceolin adds context with through his beautiful illustrations. His imaginative renderings perfectly convey memories and draw the reader in. And his rich color palate adds another layer of warmth.
Though the circumstances may not be exactly the same, With Lots of Love is s story that any child who has ever moved, or had a loved one move away, can relate to. It’s a book I happily recommend.
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