Maribel's Year
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- $12.99
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
Celebrate the special connection between father and daughter in this gorgeously evocative picture book, recounting the year a little girl and her mother spend in America while waiting for her father to join them from the Philippines. From acclaimed author Michelle Sterling and illustrator Sarah Gonzales, a poignant story perfect for fans of Joanna Ho, Linda Sue Park, and Matt De La Peña.
New country, new school, new friends.
A lot can happen in a single year. But one thing’s for certain: Maribel won’t forget her Papa, even when he’s 8,000 miles away in the Philippines.
After all, Papa is all around. He is the memory of feeding koi fish in their pond every morning. He is the constellation map as Maribel dreams of showing him her new world. He is the packages and letters sent back and forth.
He is everywhere except the place he’s wanted the most. But the bond between Maribel and Papa transcends oceans. So as the snow melts and turns to rain, as flowers blossom and welcome sun-kissed days, and as the leaves start to change and snow begins to fall once more, can Maribel wait just a little bit longer?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Through a wistful seasonal kaleidoscope that details nearly a year of separation, a young narrating protagonist shares with Papa, who remains in the Philippines, moments of life after their emigration. In January ("First steps,/ first snow./ New country,/ new home"), Maribel and Mama navigate an isolated, cool-hued snowy landscape; a page later, a juxtaposing image shows their homeland portrayed in a warm palette, and "friends and family dropping in for merienda and chats in our courtyard." February sees Maribel struggling with English in an intersectionally inclusive classroom, making a friend, and sending a valentine "on an eight-thousand-mile journey to Papa in Makati." April's "drops of sun on my face" nourish Maribel's optimism as the family celebrates Papa's birthday by making his favorite dish and imagining him by their side. Tastes of dried mango and tamarind appear in a package with a letter promising Papa's arrival before long, and the arrival of Christmas signifies the family's sweet reunion. Digitally colored pencil on paper art from Gonzales portrays in painterly textures and lush borders the family's varied experiences, while Sterling supplies tender exchanges and memories. The result is a richly laid seasonal feast that melds languages and traditions. Ages 4–8. Author's agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Alexandra Levick, Writers House.