Pockets of Love

Description: "Grandma Monona always made the best empanadas for Mami's birthday. But this year Monona is in heaven and Mami is sad. Her birthday won't be the same without Monona. Star and Sebi know they need a special birthday surprise to cheer up Mami. Maybe they can make Mami Monona's empanadas themselves! But will they be able to capture the same magic as Monona's empanadas if they don't know her secret ingredient?"--

Brief description:

Yamile Saied Méndez is the author of many books for young readers and adults, including the award-winning picture books Where Are You From? and What Will You Be? She was born and raised in Rosario, Argentina, and now lives in a lovely valley surrounded by mountains in Utah with her husband, five children, two dogs, and a majestic cat. She's a graduate of Voices of Our Nations and the Vermont College of Fine Arts MFA writing for children and young adults program. She's always trying new empanada recipes. Connect with her at yamilemendez.com.

Review Quotes:

"Cozy illustrations feel like a big hug, full of delicious details such as examples of other cuisines from around the world. The heartwarming tale beautifully depicts how love and tradition can create new memories, even in the face of loss... A celebration of family, culture, and the healing power of homemade empanadas."--Kirkus - Kirkus Reviews

"A heartfelt story about the ways in which we express affection to our loved ones, and the ways in which we carry on the legacy of our departed." - Latinx in Publishing

"A heartwarming story reassuring readers that cooking cherished family recipes preserves precious memories while creating new ones." - School Library Journal

"Pura Belpré winner Méndez deals with death and loss sensitively and gently, showing children how to celebrate life and remember those no longer with us. A wonderful two-page spread, depicting and naming "pocket" foods from around the world, highlights cultural commonalities and the pleasure of sharing good food. In delicate, cheerful multimedia illustrations, Palacios (herself a Pura Belpré Honor Book winner) scatters musical notes, stars, hearts, and flowers, concretely illustrating the characters' feelings and emotions." - Booklist

"Méndez sensitively emphasizes legacy alongside loss: the children pick flowers from the pots Monona planted, play her favorite song while cooking, and compare their empanada-crimping styles to hers. Palacios's warm-hued illustrations--mustard yellow, avocado green, and terra cotta--portray cozy comfort throughout this story about love folded into a family's favorite dish."--Publishers Weekly - Publishers Weekly