A young girl celebrates the hands of her beloved family members by comparing them to plants and trees; an end note explains the symbolism of each in Latino culture. The semi-poetic text strains for lyricism in both English and Spanish but only manages to be ponderous and cloying. Costello's expressionistic illustrations fail to ground the overblown sentiments of the texts.

Gr 1-3 A girl introduces readers to her family, describing their characteristics through their hands. Her parents, grandparents, and siblings are all compared to a tree or a flower, and the symbolism of these plants is explained at the end of the book. Her mother's tender hands soothe her and give her warmth; they are like rose petals. Her father's hands are as strong as mahogany trees; her grandfather's hands are like majestic ceiba trees. Her family brings her peace, joy, love, wisdom, knowledge, courage, and determination, and in turn she promises that she will always do the same for them. Impressionistlike brushstrokes illuminate the pages and help to convey happiness, movement, and calm. Children will see that, as the narrator grows older, she uses her hands to provide the safety and comfort she was given as a child. Reading the book with family members will likely strengthen the impact of the words on young readers. VERDICT This beautiful book, filled with Hispanic tradition, can be paired with Sandra Cisneros's Hairs/Pelitos (Knopf, 1994). Selenia Paz, Helen Hall Library, League City, TX