Vendor
	Mohrbooks Literary Agency Sebastian Ritscher
Original language
English
Categories
Children’s picture books

A MALETA FULL OF TREASURES

Juana Medina Natalia Sylvester

From an award-winning author and illustrator, a warm, gentle ode to cherished visits from grandparents and the people and places that make us who we are even if we haven't met them yet.

It's been three years since Abuela's last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail - from Abuela's maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela's room and down the hall. But Abuela's visit can't last forever, and all too soon she's packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an idea: maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the relatives they've never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce - something to help her remember that home isn't just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.

Natalia Sylvester is an award-winning author of the young adult novels Breathe and Count Back from Ten and Running and the adult novels Everyone Knows You Go Home and Chasing the Sun. Born in Lima, Peru, she grew up in Miami, Central Florida, and South Texas, and received her BFA from the University of Miami. A Maleta Full of Treasures is her first picture book.

Juana Medina is the creator of the Pura Belpré award-winning chapter book Juana & Lucas and many other titles and has illustrated numerous picture books, including 'Twas the Night Before Pride and Smick!. Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Juana Medina now lives with her family in the Washington D.C. area.

Available products
Book Published 2024-04-02 by Dial
Book Published 2024-04-02 by Dial

Comments

Medina's thick-lined cartoon images are drawn with simplicity yet are deeply expressive; the protagonist's emotions are palpable... this tale of bridging gaps is sure to especially resonate with immigrant families, as well as those who find themselves far from their roots. A cozy story of family treasures that sustain connections across the miles.

Sylvester's steady writing draws on the senses, with the sounds and textures of the gifts captured on each page, but it is Medina's expert employment of illustrations that enriches and elevates the story to something exceptional... This tale will be a comfort to children yearning for their own far-flung loved ones, demonstrating the ways they can reciprocate the love they receive, even when it feels boundless.

[A] beautiful and poignant homage... Sylvester weaves an emotional storyline that explores, through the loving, long-distance relationship, the nuances of being first-generation and longing for a land you've never visited but always heard about... In its vibrant, warm palette, Medina's cozy style of illustration brings to life Abuela and the magic of her maletas while capturing the bittersweetness of alternating joy and sadness that such an anticipated visit causes. Above all, this collaboration validates young readers with grandparents in faraway lands they dream of visiting - both their connections to their ancestral homelands and their relationships with their loving relatives.

[A] satisfying familial tale.

Medina perfectly captures the warmth of this family with her adorable, charismatic art... This book has charming themes of family and connecting to family culture, even if it's far away. Distance does not diminish the love of family. This is a wonderful book that will be highly relatable to many families. A must-have for any picture book collection.