A vibrant picture book describes a boy’s morning with his abuelita, with whom he lives. “After she stretches, my abuelita takes a shower.” Abuelita is round like a calabaza (pumpkin), with a face “crinkled as a dried chile” and hair the color of salt. There are many allusions to Abuelita’s work, which remains a mystery until the final page, as they get ready for the day. Eating “starry eggs” for breakfast, his abuelita yodels to loosen up her voice. On the way out the door, she “booms out words, loud and clear. She always says the words should be round as dimes and as wild as blossoms blooming.” Tony Johnston’s narrative is full of fresh turns of phrase and vivid, surprising descriptions as she details this warm, playful, loving relationship. Yuyi Morales’s distinctive, richly hued illustrations are photographs of the three-dimensional tableaus she created that incorporate Mexican crafts and cultural details. (Ages 4–7)

Winner of a 2010 Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor

Abuelita's hair is the color of salt. Her face is as crinkled as a dried chile. She booms out words as wild as blossoms blooming. She stuffs her carcacha--her jalopy--with all the things she needs: a plumed snake, a castle, a skeleton, and more. Her grandson knows he has the most amazing grandmother ever--with a very important job. What does Abuelita do? With her booming voice and wonderful props, Abuelita is a storyteller. Next to being a grandmother, that may be the most important job of all.

Sprinkled with Spanish and infused with love, My Abuelita is a glorious celebration of family, imagination, and the power of story.