Precious

“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. . . . 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. . . . 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. . . . 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.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Honoring a beloved tune from Rafael Hernández Marín, Aponte crafts a resonant story that leans into themes of community care and cultural heritage.” —Publishers Weekly

“Cartoon-like illustrations in vibrant, buoyant colors are sure to capture the attention of younger listeners, while Aponte’s use of light—a sunbeam cascading in through a window, candle flames glowing white in the tension of the storm, and a warm orange sunrise as the community rallies and sings together—adds emotional resonance that older audiences will appreciate. Aponte also writes the Spanish edition of the book, and both versions are equally enjoyable, with humor built into both the text and the illustration, such as Antonio’s joke about debris from the storm making the street look like Pedro’s room and the disgruntled countenance on the little dog’s face as she’s deprived of the opportunity to chew things. . . . There’s enough community and warmth to keep this story hopeful until the family is reunited.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books