A Gift from Abuela
by Cecilia Ruiz

5 out of 5 stars

Abuela and Niña are as close as can be. They play together, shop together, cook together, and make beautiful cut banners (papel picado) in pretty designs. They always go to the park and buy delicious pan dulce (sweet pastry) to share together. Every week Abuela sets aside a little bit of cash in a savings tin to someday buy a special surprise for her granddaughter. But as the economy in Mexico changes, they can’t afford as many things. The government changes the money, and everyone has to exchange their cash. And Niña grows up a little more all the time. She spends more time with her school friends, instead of spending all her time with her grandmother. With all the changes around them, can Abuela and Niña still capture the love and happiness they used to have?

I loved this sweet book! I used to live in Mexico right at the time that the government changed the money. I remember, one day I would ask my parents, “Can I have 1,000 pesos to buy some candy?” But the next week I asked, “Can I have 10 pesos to buy some candy?” It was so weird and disorienting to have to figure out the prices of things. This book perfectly captures the confusion at that time of transition, and how many people were worried and struggling to make ends meet. But despite any economic circumstance, the love of a family continues on, steady and strong!

The illustrations are so pretty and I loved the cute designs for the characters. The setting in Mexico City makes me feel like I’m back at my childhood home. The store fronts, the street carts, the people, the food; it all looks exactly like I remember!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.