Eloísa’s Musical Window

Focusing on music’s power to heal and uplift, Engle, per an author’s note, reflects on a chapter of her mother’s childhood. In Cuba, young Eloísa finds comfort in music as her mother tries to recover from a serious illness, eating endless bowls of soup. The family cannot afford a radio, so Eloísa listens out the window to the neighbor’s and takes in the musicality of everyday sounds, including cats’ “miau, miau” and a cow’s “mu-muing.” Parra’s signature-style illustrations portray the child sitting at a window with green bars as the community sweetens a difficult time, uplifting Eloísa and her family—and eventually giving way to unfettered connection outside the home. Information about Cuban instruments concludes. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)