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jengennari's review
5.0
A beautiful atmospheric story of Carmela who begins with a wish on her birthday pancakes, to go with her big brother into town. There's a believable push-pull between the siblings, as Carmela picks a dandelion and follows her brother around the city. And there's a sweet reconnection, when he cheers her up with a trip to the sea and a meadow of dandelions. This book doesn't shy away from the realities of Carmela's world, either. In the end, we hope more of her wishes come true.
katlogbrenn's review
4.0
I love stories in which siblings work through their rivalries to befriend each other. I love seeing the lifestyle of a Hispanic migrant farming family depicted as a real context for the rest of the plot. The illustrations of cut paper Mexican flag decorations are clever but there are some places in which the book could use better transitions between the pages.
jessalynn_librarian's review
3.0
February 2019 - memorable for showing a neighborhood that feels real and specific, and lovely illustrations.
azajacks's review
4.0
I support independent bookstores. You can use this link to find one near you: http://www.indiebound.org
agudenburr's review
3.0
About a little girl and all her wishes. I really liked how her wishes were illustrated as papel picados, Mexican folk art of paper cut outs. There was also several Spanish words sprinkled in. Her wishes are beautiful, especially to be reunited with her dad after his papers were fixed.
emersonernest's review
5.0
Beautiful. Great book for any child, an amazing book for an American child.
juliesplotsandpages's review
4.0
Very charming and sweet!
Update: I wrote this "review" quickly last time, and sometimes I don't have the words to describe my feelings about a book right away. So I'm back to try again.
The story was delightful: a young girl, who's finally old enough to go into town with her big brother. It's her birthday, but that doesn't stop them from squabbling as they run their errands. The sibling relationship felt very realistic. But the way they step up for each other is what I found the most charming. Carmela has a disappointment near the end, and even though she's been annoying her brother all day, he finds a way to cheer her up. I always find this type of thing endearing! And I loved the construction paper illustrations. These can be so cleverly done, and this book was no exception.
Update: I wrote this "review" quickly last time, and sometimes I don't have the words to describe my feelings about a book right away. So I'm back to try again.
The story was delightful: a young girl, who's finally old enough to go into town with her big brother. It's her birthday, but that doesn't stop them from squabbling as they run their errands. The sibling relationship felt very realistic. But the way they step up for each other is what I found the most charming. Carmela has a disappointment near the end, and even though she's been annoying her brother all day, he finds a way to cheer her up. I always find this type of thing endearing! And I loved the construction paper illustrations. These can be so cleverly done, and this book was no exception.
sunflowerjess's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I loved the illustrations more than the story, but the story was good too. I have a hard time reading about siblings who aren't kind to each other, but in the end, the brother redeemed himself. A good message about how even if older sibs find you annoying, they still love you.