Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Young Pedrito lives in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, with his mother and older brother, while his father, who used to make music with them, works in the contiguous U.S. As a hurricane approaches the coastal town, the family prepares, and Pedrito observes the foreboding clouds: "It looks like a big wolf is coming." That night, the child has disturbing dreams that segue into waking life when he rescues a trapped dog. After the storm passes, the townspeople band together to clean up the wreckage, and though Pedrito is devastated when the dog's true owner appears, his mother asks him to lead the family, at twilight, in singing his father's favorite song--" 'Preciosa,' a song about beautiful Puerto Rico." Months later, when Pedrito and his family prepare to head to the U.S. mainland, the child receives a surprise puppy, whom he names after the song. Honoring a beloved tune from Rafael Hernández Marín, Aponte (Across the Bay) crafts a resonant story that leans into themes of community care and cultural heritage; stylized digital illustrations carefully display the community and setting alongside the family's expressions. A Spanish-language edition publishes simultaneously. Includes limited lyrics from the song. Ages 3--7. Agent: John Rudolph, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (May)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2--A sweet tale of a little boy who finds solace in his family, a puppy, and music in the aftermath of a hurricane in Puerto Rico. Pedrito and his family long for the day when they can be reunited with his dad, who is working on the mainland to save up money. Their home in Aguadilla has no music without him. As the skies darken, Pedrito worries about the coming storm, seeing a scary wolf in the clouds and having nightmares of the howling winds. The family survives the storm, and Pedrito finds a dog in the wreckage. Even though the community is left without power, neighbors come together to share meals and take care of one another. Eventually, the dog is reunited with its owner, but that just means Pedrito's family expands to include her owner, too. The picture book concludes with the family's reunion with Pedrito's dad. The bright, digital illustrations capture the island's vibrancy, the family's resilience despite their hardship, and the warmth of their community. The cartoony images complement the winsome narrative, presenting the child's fears and worries in a way that will resonate with all readers. The Puerto Rican folk song, "Preciosa," is mentioned throughout, though the throughline isn't always obvious. However, the latest offering by Pura Belpré Honor recipient Aponte will charm readers and remind them that home can be found in family, friends, community, pets, and even a song. The boy's family has light brown skin. VERDICT Purchase both language editions for picture book collections.--Shelley Diaz
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
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.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
