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From Horn Book

July 1, 2023
Maribel shares her journey through her first year as a newcomer to the United States. This picture book begins by depicting a stark contrast of differences: the cold, isolating foreignness of her new home versus the warm, familiar, communal life Maribel left behind. Every new experience -- making a friend, experiencing the changing seasons, going on her first bike ride -- reminds Maribel that her father is still back in the Philippines, eight thousand miles away. As the year progresses and the weather grows warmer, the imagery between former home and new becomes less distinct; the yellow, green, and blue hues of the (U.S.) beach and (Philippine) bamboo forest complement one another. As summer nears its end and Maribel gets ready to start a new school year, she still dreams of reuniting with Papa. October means Maribel's first Halloween, and November, her first Thanksgiving -- old traditions are mixed with new, as Maribel and her mom make turkey, gravy, and ube pie. Papa finally arrives for the family's first Christmas back together, and the year ends as it began, in the "snowy, quiet place," but with a new feeling of belonging. Gabi Kim Huesca

(Copyright 2023 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Publisher's Weekly

April 17, 2023
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 4â€"8. Author's agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. Illustrator's agent: Alexandra Levick, Writers House.

From Kirkus

Starred review from April 1, 2023
A young immigrant explores the seasons while awaiting a sweet reunion. Told in verse, this tale opens with Maribel and Mama traversing a snowy landscape in January, taking in their "First steps, / first snow" in a "New country, / new home." The sunny flashback that follows reveals that the child misses their home in the Philippines, with "fresh carabao milk... / And friends and family / dropping in for merienda." The pages are labeled by month, with February showing a frustrated Maribel in school trying to figure out how to spell words in English, but the child sees a glimmer of hope: a potential new best friend. In March, "Gray shivers / and rain" are countered by the memory of a family trip to Batan Island under a starry sky. Throughout the year, Maribel reflects on fond remembrances of Papa while adjusting to a new life; pieces of mail exchanged reveal that he has yet to journey from Makati to join them. The lyrical narrative is paired with Gonzales' gorgeous illustrations, an artful blend of hues and shadows that bring warmth and depth to each page. Characters are surrounded by eye-popping swirls of colors and lush, textured landscapes. As the seasons pass, new holidays mixed with Filipino traditions take root. Christmas marks a return to "cold cheeks, / crisp noses"--and Papa's arrival. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A heartfelt, beautiful tale of finding home. (Picture book. 5-8)

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