Rafa Counts on Papá

PreS-K--Come along with Rafa and his Papá, who both enjoy knowing exactly how many objects--screws, marbles, and more--there are around them and share a love of measuring the world. They know exactly how far they can run in 22 minutes, they measure how high their dog can jump, and they even try to figure out how to measure the puffiest cloud. Together, they break out all types of tools and devices, including measuring tapes, scales, high-speed cameras, and even an abacus. The illustrations are vibrant and full of action. It is also fun to keep watch for a cat and dog who show up in many of the illustrations. Rafa and Papá both wear glasses, have dark hair and eyes, and are people of color. This sweet story ends with a wonderful series of metaphors determining how much they love each other. VERDICT With a dearth of stories showing the camaraderie between father and son, this book deserves a place on the shelves.--Erin Olsen

Cepeda offers a STEM-inspired spin on the connection between a Latinx-cued father and son in this appealing, measurement-oriented picture book. Rafa and his papá like to know "exactly how much," whether it's the length of Rafa's toy train, the distance they can run "in twenty-two minutes," or the height that their dog, Euclid, can jump. When Rafa, surrounded by rulers and an abacus, wonders, "Wait! What about love?/ Can we measure that?" it's a segue to the more specific math problem of how to quantify his papá's devotion. Is it "As perfect as pancakes?/ As steady as a Swiss watch?/ Or as deep as the Grand Canyon?" Rafa questions in backyard views of the duo bespectacled in matching black-rimmed glasses and surrounded by gadgets and measuring tools. When the answer unsurprisingly appears unquantifiable, Cepeda's vivid oil paintings smoothly fill in the blank with a snuggly portrait of Rafa and Papá counting only on each other. Ages 4-8. (May)