National Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino Americans’ history, culture, and contributions to the United States. It takes place from September 15 to October 15 each year. The month recognizes the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the United States, including their art, advocacy work, and traditional foods. It also honors the trailblazing individuals who fought for equity and progress in their communities. This week I’ll be sharing several children’s books from Hispanic authors. Click HERE to see all the books.
NO MORE SEÑORA MIMÍ
By: Meg Medina
Illustrated by: Brittany Cicchese
Published: September 3, 2024
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Fiction
Ana is so excited for her Abuela to arrive tonight. But first, she needs to be dropped off at Seńora Mimí’s while her mom goes to work. Señora Mimí has been Ana’s babysitter, taking her to school and picking her up. But, now that Ana’s Abuela is coming, she won’t need to go to Señora Mimí’s anymore. As excited as Ana had been about having her Abuela come and stay, she didn’t think about the fact that Señora Mimí wouldn’t be taking care of her anymore. And that makes her sad.
After school, Ana hides under the table because she doesn’t want Señora Mimí to know she is sad. Ana will miss eating buttered crackers and playing with Pancho the dog. But she is also excited to see her Abuela. Thanks to Señora Mimí, Ana realizes she can still be excited about Abuela coming and she can still visit Señora Mimí anytime she wants.
Kids who struggle with changes in a routine will relate to Ana’s sadness. Kids change daycares and babysitters or even have changes to the person that picks them up from school. All these new routines can be an adjustment. But, talking it through with your child and reminding them that they can still visit, send a card, or have a playdate with someone they miss will help ease the transition.
Ana and Señora Mimí have a special relationship and that is shown in the illustrations including the matching sweaters knitted by Mimí and the hugs and snuggles when Ana is sad. The facial expressions are clear and show all the emotions Ana is feeling as she realizes the changes that will be happening soon.
This book includes some Spanish words among the English words. Even though the words aren’t explained the reader can infer what they mean in the story.
Click HERE to download an Activity Kit
| Meg Medina is the Library of Congress’s 2023–2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and the author of the Newbery Medal–winning book Merci Suárez Changes Gears. She is also the author of award-winning young adult novels and picture books, including Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez; Mango, Abuela, and Me, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, which was a Pura Belpré Author and Illustrator Award Honor Book; and Tía Isa Wants a Car, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, which won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, she lives in Richmond, Virginia. | |
| Brittany Cicchese is an artist and writer with over eight years of experience working in public libraries. Apart from creating, she enjoys connecting people with stories, exploring the Rocky Mountains, and browsing every new picture book at her local library. Brittany Cicchese lives with her family in Denver, Colorado. |
To purchase a copy of NO MORE SEÑORA MIMÍ, click HERE.
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
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Posted Under bilingual books, Book Review, Brittany Cicchese, Children's books, fiction, grandparenting, Hispanic, Meg Medina