Remembering

"Today I prepare your favorite meal and serve it in your special place." Following the death of family dog Simon, a Latinx-cued child readies for Día de Muertos to celebrate the loved pet's life. Gathering Simon's favorite items with a serious air, the child next pours water "for you, my constant companion," gathers objects from the animal's favorite trail, and, with family, lights candles and creates a path of petals "to guide your way home." González employs a slightly melancholic tone, offering a stirring invocation of the power of healing alongside loved ones. Saturated mural-style illustrations by Garcia portray swirls moving around the family's home, where the four figures gaze at photographs of the dog that extend, like living memories, beyond their frames, building to an image of the child interacting with the pet in front of an altar: "This is the way we remember you." Creators' notes and information on building an ofrenda conclude. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)

PreS-Gr 3--The Pura Belpré award-winning team shares a new story about the deep, familiar pain of losing a pet and the natural, continuous circle of life and death. In this hauntingly beautiful text, a family memorializes their dog through the cultural practice of creating an ofrenda and sharing memories of their dearly departed protector on Día de Muertos. "The house seems empty without you here. So our family fills it with photos and stories until we feel like you are near." Through remembering, the family builds an altar with offerings to guide the spirit of their beloved friend home to them. The gorgeously illustrated movement of swirling spirit and marigold petals fills the pages. Garcia portrays heartfelt scenes with acrylic paint on paper, inspired by photos of real-life pet friends, with the living pictures inching outside of the frame as their memories continue to live on. Back matter explains to readers how to construct their own ofrenda for remembering loved ones. VERDICT This poetic text with opulent illustrations is worthy of accolades.--Ellen Sulzycki