cover image Strong Mama

Strong Mama

Robin Arzón, illus. by Addy Rivera Sonda. Little, Brown, $17.99 (40p) ISBN 978-0-316-29994-7

Inspired by the birth of her first child, Arzón, a head instructor at Peloton, pens this autobiographical picture book from the second-person perspective, interweaving Spanish throughout. A hyperspecific narrative and uncontextualized Peloton details feel geared toward a particular audience: “Week by week, our bond was growing, just like you were in Mommy’s belly. And just like the number of fans cheering us on the Peloton leaderboard.” Digital art by Sonda, rendered in an of-the-moment color palette, captures Arzón’s long braid and changing body across spreads, as she continues to lift weights, stretch, and lead Peloton classes throughout the pregnancy: “Welcome to the house of hustle, baby. Rent is due every day.” A personal celebrity narrative best suited to caregivers who are also Peloton enthusiasts. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)