Abuela

Somersaulting in midair, resting in the sky on a chair-shaped cloud… A little girl and her grandmother, her abuela, soar in this highly acclaimed adventure of the imagination as they fly around New York City. In English, with Spanish words and phrases woven into the story, includes a glossary.

"A marvelous balancing of narrative simplicity with visual intricacy...the city is transformed into a treasure trove of jewels, dazzling the eye, uplifting the spirits."–The Horn Book (starred review)

"Each illustration is a masterpiece of color, line, and form that will mesmerize youngsters...The smooth text, interspersed with Spanish words and phrases, provides ample context clues...a jewel."–Booklist (starred review)

"A book to set any child dreaming...any reader can handle it, whether familiar with Spanish or not. It's just joyful."-The New York Times

• ALA Notable Book
• American Booksellers Pick of the Lists
• Booklist Editor's Choice
• Dolly Parton's Imagination Library selection
• Reading Rainbow Review Book
• Horn Book Fanfare Listing
• Parent's Choice Award
• NCSS Notable Children's Trade Book
• Hungry Mind Review Children's Books of Distinction List
• New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
• HBO Book Club: My Favorite Book
• Storytime Public TV Selection

This story is based in great part on my warm and rich relationship with one of my grandmothers, who for many years lived in New York City. When I moved to New York as an adult for a time to learn more about writing, illustrating, and making books, one of my favorite places to visit was at the top of my apartment building. From there I could see the city from above, with sweeping views ranging from the Statue of Liberty to midtown Manhattan. I had pictures and exact locations in mind as I wrote, for all of the places Rosalba and Abuela visit in the story.

My grandmother, like the story’s Abuela, grew up primarily speaking a language other than English. She actually grew up speaking several languages, and then learned English when she moved to this country. When I lived in New York I heard many tongues each day, English and often Spanish. I like the sounds and rhythms of various languages, and I enjoy speaking Spanish as well. So I decided to include Spanish words as part of this story in a way that anyone reading it could understand, whether they knew Spanish or not. All of us have a variety of cultures, traditions, and backgrounds that are part of and take flight with each of us. Enjoy your own high-flying adventures and imagination!

Edition in Spanish also available, edición en español disponible: ABUELA