Across the Bay
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5.0 • 1 Rating
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
RECIPIENT OF THE PURA BELPRÉ ILLUSTRATOR HONOR
Author-illustrator Carlos Aponte takes readers on a journey to the heart of Puerto Rico in this enchanting picture book set in Old San Juan.
"A lively and honest story about filling voids and exploring what defines a family--as well as a love letter to a childhood home."--Horn Book
Carlitos lives in a happy home with his mother, his abuela, and Coco the cat. Life in his hometown is cozy as can be, but the call of the capital city pulls Carlitos across the bay in search of his father. Jolly piragüeros, mischievous cats, and costumed musicians color this tale of love, family, and the true meaning of home.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Aponte (A Season to Bee) unmistakably writes from the heart in this story rooted in his childhood in Puerto Rico. Located across the bay from Old San Juan, Carlitos's hometown of Cata o, where he lives with his loving mother and abuela, is ablaze with flowers and fruit trees vibrantly portrayed in fluid, expressive cartoons that capture the tranquility of his village and the vitality of the city beyond. The observation that Carlitos's family "didn't look like the others" is confirmed when he and his mother enter a barbershop where other boys wait their turn alongside their fathers, prompting Carlitos to ask, "Mami, where is Papi?" Her response that he is "across the bay" and that "sometimes things don't work out" incites Carlitos to sneak out of the house and ride a ferry to the city, a photo of Papi in his pocket. After no one he asks recognizes the man in the picture, the comforting words of a park ranger and Carlitos's longing to see his family "calling from across the bay" impel him to return home contentedly. A reflective, poignant portrait of loss, resilience, and the protean nature of family. Ages 3 7.
Customer Reviews
Across the Bay
This book is very good and the illustrations are amazing. Loved the emotions and story that came out from reading this book!