An Ofrenda for Perro

Día de Muertos gives a grieving child a path toward moving on after a pet’s sudden death in this emotional picture book. Early pages establish the close bond between young Benito, cued as of Latinx heritage, and beloved dog Perro, who loves to sniff marigolds and always comforts Benito when he’s blue. When Perro dies suddenly, the event hits Benito hard. But Mamá and Papá encourage him to take part in the rituals of the upcoming Día de Muertos, including collecting marigolds for the family ofrenda. In celebrating the holiday, Benito begins to find peace: “I can still feel Perro. He’ll always be with me.” As Valdés B. takes readers alongside Benito’s arc of grief, marigold-bright semi-realistic artwork by Vélez Aguilera brings life and love to Perro’s memory, supplying via intricately patterned domestic scenes a means for the boy to remember his pet. Readers seeking realistic portrayals of healing will find a great deal to love here. An author’s note and glossary conclude. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)