My Abuela Is a Bruja
About My Abuela Is a Bruja
From an award-winning author comes a vibrant and heartwarming story of the bond between grandmother and grandchild, with a touch of Puerto Rican magic!
My abuela is a bruja.
There is magic in everything she does.
There is nothing more magical than a grandmother’s love. But one lucky girl suspects her grandmother has actual magic. It’s in the tun-tun-tun of the way she dances salsa, in the warmth of her hugs, and the delicious smell of her cooking. The granddaughter wonders: will I have magic of my own one day?
Follow the magic in this heartfelt picture book that features extensive backmatter that includes two special recipes from Mayra Cuevas and uplifiting illustrations from Lorena Alvarez Gómez.
Trade Reviews:
School Library Journal STARED REVIEW K-Gr 2–A day spent in a lush land with a girl and her abuela, deeply connected to nature and each other. Based on the author’s own upbringing in Puerto Rico, this lyrical story shows a little girl spending the day with her grandmother, whom she thinks is a witch because she can grow a bountiful garden and make delicious food. They show affection and respect for one another; they talk about the women who came before them, and those who will come after. This book is a resounding triumph, where heritage, family, nature, history, and love come together. The breathtaking illustrations and color palette will transport readers to a luminous, vibrant, tropical place. The detailed images invite children to explore each page with wonder and awe. The abuela and most characters have brown skin. The English edition includes Spanish throughout, and a glossary at the end. Both editions have photos and letters from the author, in addition to recipes. VERDICT A first purchase for libraries serving Spanish-speaking communities, especially those with Puerto Rican patrons.
KIRKUS REVIEW A heartfelt tribute to family, culture, and the everyday magic that connects us.
A child and her abuela spend cherished time together. The girl affectionately calls her grandmother a bruja—a witch—because of the magic that seems to infuse her every activity. Whether growing a garden rife with “rich beds of yuca” or whipping up flan that tastes of “sugary kisses and caramel dreams,” Abuela performs each task with such confidence and grace that witchcraft seems the only possible explanation. Eager to uncover Abuela’s secrets, the girl pays close attention to everything she does; she longs to discover her own magic, but Abuela gently counsels patience. She reveals that magic has always been within her, passed down through generations from their Taíno ancestors. Slowly, the girl begins to understand. Cuevas and Alvarez Gómez beautifully capture the tender bond between grandmother and granddaughter, set against the vibrant backdrop of Puerto Rico. Melodic language blends with illustrations bursting with color and detail, such as reinitas (black and yellow birds) and the güiro (a traditional Puerto Rican instrument). Tastes, sounds, scents, and feelings come alive on every page; this is a tale that celebrates cultural heritage and encourages readers to find magic in the quotidian. Abuela is brown-skinned with curly black-and-gray hair, while her granddaughter has light brown skin and curly black hair. Publishes simultaneously in Spanish. A heartfelt tribute to family, culture, and the everyday magic that connects us. (glossary, recipes) (Picture book. 4-9)