Mami’s Magic Words

Valdez and Sánchez Ayala offer an expansive look at language in a contemplative picture book that considers the power of “words given to us by those we love.” After Ms. Hernandez asks students to share terms “that make you feel warm or special,” the teacher disregards the protagonist’s offering of “poloché,” a Dominican expression for a polo shirt. Reflecting on Ms. Hernandez’s request for more standardized English or Spanish, the child contemplates other words used at home, reasoning that “if real words hold magic, then of course Mami’s words are real. They are bursting with magic.” Vibrant digital scenes focus on classroom and domestic moments, and on the words as a clear component of Mami’s loving care. In one, Mami’s uttering “poloché” works as a spell that disappears a shirt’s wrinkles; in another, Mami slathers the child’s chest with vaporú before bed. A final classroom-wide conversation crystallizes the importance of honoring words that “link... connect... remind.... hold magic” in this empowering read. Background characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)