A Sled for Gabo

In Otheguy’s gently bilingual, community-centered narrative, Gabo, a shy Latinx child with orange skin who wears a blue jacket, is new in town, and unprepared to join classmates on the hill outside on “the day it snowed.” With help from Mami (“Vamos a resolver”), Gabo heads out wearing layered socks and Papi’s rolled yellow beanie, with plastic bags tied around his sneakers, determined to find a sled and perhaps join the other kids. He runs into friendly neighbors Señor Ramos, Señora Tobón, Tío Tim, and Madrina, who each encourage Gabo in their own way—especially Madrina, who hands him a plastic lunch tray from the school cafeteria where she works. When Señor Ramos’s granddaughter Isa, also orange-skinned, approaches him, Gabo gets to share what he’s received. González adds textural digital illustrations reminiscent of Mary Blair and vintage holiday cards, illuminating spreads with highlighter pinks, yellows, and greens. This sweet tale will thaw readers’ hearts with its themes of resourcefulness and friendship. Ages 4–8. (Jan.)