Copyright Date:
2024
Edition Date:
2024
Release Date:
03/11/24
Illustrator:
Montoya, Veronica,
Pages:
35 pages
ISBN:
1-543-39813-8
ISBN 13:
978-1-543-39813-7
Dewey:
E
Dimensions:
26 cm.
Language:
Spanish
Reviews:
School Library Journal
(Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2024)
K-Gr 2— Daniela finds comfort in her abuela as she experiences difficult emotions. After hearing a big argument between her parents that results in her papa leaving home with a suitcase in hand, sad words (palabras tristes) and twisted up memories (recuerdos enredados) are making Daniela feel down. Abuela asks Daniela what's wrong, but she struggles to share or even make sense of her complicated feelings. Although Dani doesn't want to talk about what she feels (sadness, anger, and a stormy mind), Abuela is understanding, and instead offers her a quiet space where she doesn't need to speak or even think: her warm embrace. The accompanying digital illustrations offer visual representations of Dani's complex emotions through expressive faces and gestures, like Dani covering her ears as her parents argue, that are both relatable and inspire empathy. The images also bring to life analogies within the text, like the big words Dani overhears that feel like mean ogres charging into their space, or the invasive, gremlinlike mini monsters that make her home feel dark. VERDICT A straightforward and helpful tool for discussions about expressing big feelings and different ways to receive support. Recommended.— Jessica Agudelo
Daniela lives with her parents and her grandmother. One day, her parents have big fight, and her dad leaves the house. Daniela feels sad, angry, worried . . . She feels "a hole in her heart" and "a storm in her mind". But Daniela does not want to talk about how she feels because she believes doing that will make her even sadder. Her loving grandmother invites her to a magical place where nothing needs to be said and any pain goes away . . . This book that hugs helps readers take the first step to overcome crushing emotions.