Genre: Children's 4-7
Published: March 7, 2023
Pages: 32
A story about coping with loss and the magical comfort of friendships, both old and new.
Alejo loved his Abuelo. They did everything together and were the best of friends. They had so much fun that one little neighbor couldn't help but notice and admire their strong bond. But one day, Abuelo wasn't there anymore. He got too sick to come home. Nothing makes Alejo feel better; doing all of things he used to do with Abuelo just makes him feel more lonely. But, maybe, just maybe, one special little neighbor can help.
This collaboration from debut author David Corredor Benavides and award-winning picture book writer Nelly Buchet tells a heartwarming story of beautiful friendships, of grieving and coping with the loss of a loved one, and supporting one another through gentle acts of kindness. Alejo's story was inspired by Corredor Benavides' unforgettable adventures with his own grandfather, as well as Buchet's admiration of such a magical relationship.
Alejo loved his Abuelo. They did everything together and were the best of friends. They had so much fun that one little neighbor couldn't help but notice and admire their strong bond. But one day, Abuelo wasn't there anymore. He got too sick to come home. Nothing makes Alejo feel better; doing all of things he used to do with Abuelo just makes him feel more lonely. But, maybe, just maybe, one special little neighbor can help.
This collaboration from debut author David Corredor Benavides and award-winning picture book writer Nelly Buchet tells a heartwarming story of beautiful friendships, of grieving and coping with the loss of a loved one, and supporting one another through gentle acts of kindness. Alejo's story was inspired by Corredor Benavides' unforgettable adventures with his own grandfather, as well as Buchet's admiration of such a magical relationship.
I received a copy of this book through Netgalley. This is my honest review.
This is a short book about a boy who does almost everything with his grandfather (Abuelo), until one day his abuelo goes to the hospital and doesn't come home. He tries to do the same things he did with his abuelo alone, but it's just not the same. Then his neighbor steps in and he doesn't feel quite so alone anymore.
The language in this book was pretty simple so even young children should be able to understand what is going on. A budding reader may also be able to read it with minimal assistance.
The illustrations were bold and colorful, and had me questioning some things until close to the end. I seriously wondered why the grandfather was only spending time with his grandson and not the granddaughter that was literally watching from afar on every page. Then I found out she was just following them around (presumably) and wasn't related to them at all. I don't think I'd want to read this book too many times, but a few rereads wouldn't be awful. Overall I give this book 3.7 out of 5 stars. - Katie
David Corredor Benavides is a writer from Bogotá, Colombia. His beloved abuelo Jacob, a journalist for El Espectador, inspired him to write as a kid. David went on to win the Ministry of Education’s national youth writing competition, published in Colombia Cuenta. He lives in Brooklyn where he bikes everywhere and plays a lot of soccer very early in the morning.
Nelly Buchet is the author of ALA Notable Book and Irma Black Award winner Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family (PRH, with art by Andrea Zuill, 2020), the four-board book Can't Do series (Bonnier UK, with art by Pau Morgan, 2021), and How to Train Your Pet Brain (Beaming Books, with art by Amy Jindra, 2022). She has taught nonviolent conflict resolution in schools and created a nonprofit project that brings picture books to refugee children through orphanages and libraries. She splits her time between Berlin, Germany, and the US. @nellybuchetbooks
Nelly Buchet is the author of ALA Notable Book and Irma Black Award winner Cat Dog Dog: The Story of a Blended Family (PRH, with art by Andrea Zuill, 2020), the four-board book Can't Do series (Bonnier UK, with art by Pau Morgan, 2021), and How to Train Your Pet Brain (Beaming Books, with art by Amy Jindra, 2022). She has taught nonviolent conflict resolution in schools and created a nonprofit project that brings picture books to refugee children through orphanages and libraries. She splits her time between Berlin, Germany, and the US. @nellybuchetbooks
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