alysoninthelibrary's review against another edition
4.0
This story is moving, but the formatting throws me off. It's much longer than most books with its trim size. Better for elementary age kids than little ones.
glendaleereads's review against another edition
3.0
Cute little story which was definitely written more lengthy for kids I think but it was a good read.
nomefriegues's review against another edition
5.0
I have read this book about six times. I can't even collect my thoughts to express how meaningful it is to me and how beautiful I find it. Like all Diaz's work, it speaks so beautifully and painfully to the immigrant/Latinx experience and I can't wait to read it to my kids someday.
sarahvlovestoread's review against another edition
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
shighley's review against another edition
4.0
My favorite illustrations of the year (so far). They are so vibrant, whimsical, and pleasing to the eye. (Some of my favorites are the spreads with Abuela; her dress, the plants, the beach, the animals...) The premise is wonderful as well.
The "monster" might require some explanation for younger children. The construction of the story does necessitate some type of reason why everyone left an island that obviously had so many things that they loved, but children might be confused about the monster. There are also a few pages where I wished the typography had been a bit more of a contrast for easier reading. One of those is the gorgeous beach scene.
It's so fun just to languish on a single spread and enjoy the intricacies of the illustrations.
The "monster" might require some explanation for younger children. The construction of the story does necessitate some type of reason why everyone left an island that obviously had so many things that they loved, but children might be confused about the monster. There are also a few pages where I wished the typography had been a bit more of a contrast for easier reading. One of those is the gorgeous beach scene.
It's so fun just to languish on a single spread and enjoy the intricacies of the illustrations.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good children's picture book. But I would have liked the island and the monster to be actually mentioned. And it really could have used an afterword. But the feel of the idea of the place comes through. 3.5 of 5.
markwillnevercry's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
I learned about this book, because some people are trying to get it banned. This is one of the best children books that I have read in a while. It speaks about how no one really wants to remember the bad things that drove them away from their home. It speaks about how much you can love your home and still leave it. It is a very important book.
angelagm's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0