A Maleta Full of Treasures
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Award
ALSC Notable Children's Book
Anna Dewey Read Together Award Finalist
Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices 2025 List
From an award-winning author and illustrator, a warm, gentle ode to cherished visits from grandparents and the people and places that make us who we are even if we haven’t met them yet.
It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail—from Abuela’s maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela’s room and down the hall. But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an idea: maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A grandmother's visit reinforces a child's connections to "nuestra tierra, the land where my mom and dad were born, the place they left when I was only a seed," in this satisfying familial tale. The story begins with the child videochatting with Abuela, who's packing las maletas for an upcoming visit. "What would you like me to bring you, mi dulce?" she asks. "Just you," is all the child says, but upon Abuela's arrival, Papi loads the car with maletas "piled high as mountains." And back home, the child finds the suitcases filled with treasures: "Candies in crinkly wrappers. Baked goods in boxes. Story-books and pictures in frames and blankets softer than cotton balls." The young protagonist immediately enjoys the treats but begins to ration "because I know, like Abuela's visit, they won't last forever." As the end approaches and Abuela leaves for home, a surprise foregrounds "all the love I send and the beauty we share." Notes indicate that the tale has roots in Sylvester's memories of relatives visiting from Peru and that Medina's engaging digital illustrations draw inspiration from Andean cultures, whose work inspired the color palette and patterns used. Characters are portrayed with various abilities, ages, body types, and skin tones. Ages 3–5.
