DINNER ON DOMINGOS

In this story inspired by her own childhood, debut author Katona recalls Sunday dinners at her grandmother’s house.

Every Sunday, narrator Alejandra heads to Abuelita’s house for dinner with her extended family. The house fills up with her tíos and tías, primos and primas; the dogs bark, the scent of food is everywhere, and the pots clatter in the kitchen. Abuelita’s house is in Michigan, but her kitchen “is painted bright cornflower blue.” It reminds Abuelita of the Ecuadorean sky. Reflecting the feelings of many a child of immigrants, Alejandra speaks but a few words of her parents’ native language—in this case, Spanish—but wishes she spoke more. Food and family, centered on Abuelita’s home and cooking, erase those language barriers. These Sunday reunions aren’t limited to food—though Abuelita’s potato soup, locro, is a favorite. There is also talking and joking and games and singing and dancing, all the elements that create family bonds and memories. Navarro’s joyful illustrations are filled with movement and bright, happy colors, capturing the boisterous reunions in an accessible and humorous way. The family members have dark hair and pale or olive skin. The book includes an author’s note, a glossary of the Spanish words used, and the recipe for Abuelita’s locro. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An ebullient celebration of family and the rituals that bring a family together.