Maribel's Year

A heartfelt, beautiful tale of finding home.

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. (May)

"A heartfelt, beautiful tale of finding home." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"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." — Publishers Weekly

Praise for When Lola Visits: "Debut author Sterling blends Filipino traditions with popular U.S. summer activities, creating a tender story celebrating culture shared between generations." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A glorious celebration of Filipino American experience. This book—much like Lola—is something to visit over and over again." — Booklist (starred review)

"This is a beautiful, tender expression of family and love that spans generations and great distances. The illustrations add so much life and context to the words. An extraordinary expression of Filipino culture and intergenerational familial bonds." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Beautiful, sweet and warm. Like all the best childhood memories of loved ones, When Lola Visits feels familiar, friendly and faded to perfection." — BookPage (starred review)

"Will make readers long for the scents and tastes the narrator describes, and the warmth and happiness of summertime. With a smooth flow of new vocabulary and a universal nod to the meaning of family, this will be a storytime favorite." — School Library Journal