Review by Booklist Review
Genhart pulls from his own childhood growing up in bicultural family in this cheery picture book, which tells of a young boy and how the accordion brought his family together. When the boy's Mexican grandparents visit, Abuelo plays mariachi music on his accordion, and Abuela makes delicious savory tamales. When his Swiss German family comes, Opa plays polkas on his accordion, and Oma makes lebkuchen and hot cocoa. On one occasion, both sets of grandparents come at the same time, but a language barrier presents an obstacle in getting to know one another. The boy is happy to see his grandmothers getting along, but the grandfathers operate in polite silence until the boy brings out the accordions. Music is the universal language, and both grandfathers enjoy each other's playing, ultimately transforming the earlier quiet into a party! Great for reading aloud and featuring bright, energetic illustrations, this endearing story supports diversity and multicultural inclusion. Additional features include a four-page foldout and a note from the author on the story's background.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--Members of multiracial families may have more in common than expected. This is the story of a young boy whose grandfathers cannot understand each other because they come from different countries and speak different languages. This saddens the boy, especially at family gatherings. One day, the boy realizes that even though his Abuelo and his Opa do not speak the same language, they are both great accordion players and share a love for music that radiates to the whole family. Genhart, who is Mexican and Swiss American, is a clinical psychologist and an Independent Publisher Book Award recipient for children's books. The mixed Latin-European heritage is conveyed by the main character as he tries to reconcile the differences between the two sides of his family and the features that bring them together. The illustrations rely on expressive tertiary characters and a pictorial setting built with shades of brown and other brighter colors to depict the story line. This picture book is published by an imprint of the American Psychological Association, which may resonate with parents who are looking for a story based on mixed-race families. Even more, the boy's problem-solving abilities offer an opportunity to talk to children about situations that trouble them, and possible solutions. VERDICT A thoughtful picture book for storytime and one-on-one reads.--Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Genhart draws on his own family's history for inspiration in his newest diversity-celebrating picture book. Abuelo plays accordion in a mariachi band where he "hoots and hollers" louder than anyone. Opa plays accordion in a polka band where his yodels can "[make] the windows shake." But when Abuelo and Opa get together at their grandchild's home, the Mexican-German cultural divide seems a chasm too wide to span. Though both are perfectly polite, an uncomfortable silence begins to settle--until the empathetic protagonist encourages them both to get out their accordions. Through their shared love of music, harmony is soon restored and a bridge built between two cultures. This is a reassuring story, emphasizing that though we may be different we can find common ground, an especially important message for multiracial/multiethnic children who can often feel pulled between competing identities. Burris' dot-eyed and brightly colored illustrations are darling, highlighting each culture well. The narrator has light-brown skin and dark hair; Abuelo's side of the family has brown skin and Opa's, white. As mixed-race families continue to grow, this title is sure to find a ready audience. Notes from both author and illustrator celebrate their own multiethnic backgrounds, which contributed to the story. A warm musical celebration of multicultural families . (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
