Alma and Her Family/Alma y su familia is a delightful board book that extends the world of Juana Martinez-Neal's Caldecott Honor Book, 'Alma and How She Got Her Name.' In this installment, Alma introduces readers to her immediate and extended family members, including her parents, grandparents, cousins, and even her pet bird, Pajarito. The narrative is simple and conversational, focusing on the affectionate interactions Alma shares with each family member, such as kissing her daddy, squeezing her mommy, and playfully painting on her artist grandpa. The book handles its themes of family love and connection with immense warmth and gentleness, making it a perfect read for young children. The emotional arc is consistently joyful and heartwarming, celebrating the everyday moments that build strong family bonds.
This book is specifically for toddlers and preschoolers who are beginning to understand family relationships, as well as for families who speak or are learning Spanish. A parent would reach for this book when seeking a comforting bedtime story, a tool for early language exposure, or simply a beautiful book to celebrate the love within their own family. No specific parent preparation is needed, as the content is universally positive and gentle. Younger children (0-3) will be captivated by Martinez-Neal's whimsical illustrations and the simple, repetitive phrases, while preschoolers (3-5) will engage with the named family members and the actions. Although the publisher lists an age range of 4-11, for a board book, its primary appeal is to the younger end of that spectrum, with the bilingual aspect potentially extending its utility for early elementary children learning Spanish. What sets this book apart from others on family is its seamless bilingual presentation, the charming continuation of a beloved character, and Martinez-Neal's distinctive, warm artistic style that truly brings the family's joy to life.
