An Ofrenda for Perro

July 1, 2023
A boy deals with the loss of his dog. Ever since Benito was born, his dog, Perro, has been his faithful companion. But one day, when Benito invites Perro to go on a walk, the elderly dog stumbles and is unable to get up. Benito's father takes Perro to the vet but returns alone. Benito is devastated, missing even Perro's wet-dog smell after a walk in the rain. The time comes to prepare for Dia de los Muertos, and though Benito doesn't feel like doing anything, his mother convinces him to help. As he joins his parents in gathering marigolds, buying candles, and arranging family portraits on the altar, he learns the meaning of each symbol and the reason for the holiday. "We don't celebrate the dead," his father tells him, "but the love we have for them." As they share memories of deceased loved ones, Benito understands that as long as he remembers him, Perro will be with him always. The text is minimal, providing the story a strong backbone without overexplaining. The result is a tale that will help children articulate their own feelings while giving them space to infer and project deeper emotional nuances. The lush illustrations--including a joyful representation of Perro's spirit--counterbalance Benito's sadness and invite readers to linger on each scene. Benito and his parents are Latine and brown-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Will leave anyone grieving feeling seen and hugged. (author's note, Spanish-English glossary) (Picture book. 5-8)

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July 31, 2023
Día de Muertos gives a grieving child a path toward moving on after a pet’s sudden death in this emotional picture book. Early pages establish the close bond between young Benito, cued as of Latinx heritage, and beloved dog Perro, who loves to sniff marigolds and always comforts Benito when he’s blue. When Perro dies suddenly, the event hits Benito hard. But Mamá and Papá encourage him to take part in the rituals of the upcoming Día de Muertos, including collecting marigolds for the family ofrenda. In celebrating the holiday, Benito begins to find peace: “I can still feel Perro. He’ll always be with me.” As Valdés B. takes readers alongside Benito’s arc of grief, marigold-bright semi-realistic artwork by Vélez Aguilera brings life and love to Perro’s memory, supplying via intricately patterned domestic scenes a means for the boy to remember his pet. Readers seeking realistic portrayals of healing will find a great deal to love here. An author’s note and glossary conclude. Ages 4–8.