A Crown for Corina

In this picture book debut from Kemp (Heartbreak Symphony), a Latinx child named Corina celebrates a birthday by making a flower corona using personally significant flowers from Abuela’s garden. Sensory-focused, expectant first-person narration draws readers in: “It looks like la tierra is throwing una fiesta. Today, the party is for me.” Watercolor images from Chavarri (I’ll Hold Your Hand) bring Abuela’s sprawling, variegated planting to lush life as Corina picks flowers that offer reminders of family: a sunflower for Mamá’s favorite color, morning glories that resemble the trumpet Abuelo once played, and sword lilies that signify pretend sword fights with Papá. Next are flowers that represent the future, including hope-suggesting esperanzas and strong daisies. After Corina’s garden party comes and goes, night brings with it the end of a birthday, a wilting crown, and a reminder about family and memory. Highlighting seasonal cycles and the natural passage of time, it’s a lushly told story that emphasizes the role of the past in the present and future: when Corina asks Abuela why their family wears crowns, she replies that “when we place la corona on our head, we become its roots, reaching back through time to hold on to the things that matter.” Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Andrea Morrison, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Claire Easton, Painted Words. (Feb.)