Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature)
In a story rich with the Spanish of her grandmother, Lucy tells us what her Little Mamá forgets and what she remembers. Lucy realizes her grandmother’s memory is no longer reliable. Little Mamá may leave the toast to burn, forget how to tie her shoes, or not remember the way home. But she remembers so many things that for Lucy are more important--from giving hugs to how to dance and skip, along with tales of her life back in Mexico. And although she forgets that there are only five in the family for dinner, she has luckily remembered how to make enough of her tortillas to feed the relatives who arrive to join them. The compassion and warmth of the love Lucy shares with her grandmother join together in a story that will be particularly relevant to children whose grandparents begin to forget things. The endpapers are photo albums filled with dozens of “mounted” snapshots and greeting cards. They set the stage for this visual diary of the loving activities inside. The double-page spreads are filled with colorful patterned objects, which reflect the Mexican-American culture and include details of dress, markets, home, and more. Paints re-create the solidity of the family ties, the cohesiveness of the community, and above all, the love. There is a glossary of the Spanish included with pronunciation. 2006, Melanie Kroupa Books/Farrar Straus and Giroux, $16.00. Ages 4 to 8.

CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 2007)
Lucy’s grandmother sometime forgets things: that she’s toasting bread, or how to tie her shoes, and whether to turn left or right to get to the park. But Little Mamá remembers the things that are most important to Lucy. She remembers how to pour cream on Lucy’s pudding, just the way she likes it, she knows how to skip through the park with her granddaughter, and she never forgets to buy Lucy’s favorite chili dogs. Most importantly, Little Mamá “always remembers . . . to tuck me in with a song and a kiss.” A sprinkling of Spanish words is deftly inserted into the text, with a pronunciation guide and glossary supplied at the story’s beginning. Richly hued illustrations accentuate the loving relationship between Lucy and her grandmother as they celebrate the important moments they share every day. Little Mamá’s memory may be failing, but she remains a steadfast pillar in Lucy’s young life. Highly Commended, 2007 Charlotte Zolotow Award CCBC Category: Understanding Oneself and Others. 2006, Melanie Kroupa Books / Farrar Straus and Giroux, 32 pages, $16.00. Ages 3-6.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 5))
A Mexican-American grandmother may be getting a bit forgetful, but she still remembers what's really important. In the mornings, Lucy's grandmother, "Little Mama," sometimes calls her "little Luciana" and forgets the bread is toasting, but she remembers to tickle Lucy and pour lots of cream on her rice pudding. Little Mama may forget how to tie her shoes, but she remembers how to button her satin dancing slippers when she twirls with Lucy. On the way to the park, Little Mama often forgets directions, but she remembers perfectly how to skip, laugh and sing. Everyday Little Mama forgets "names and places and people and words," but she never forgets to tuck Lucy in at night "with a song and a kiss." Brimming with patterns and colors reminiscent of Mexican folk art, the brilliant illustrations accentuate Little Mama's zest for living, while celebrating Mexican-American family life. Lucy's tender and loving kinship with "Little Mama" gently extols the importance of memory and intergenerational relationships. Warm and wise. (glossary of Spanish words and phrases) 2006, Melanie Kroupa/Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 40p, $16.00. Category: Picture book. Ages 4 to 8. © 2006 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Genevieve Gallagher (Library Media Connection, January 2007)
Even though Lucy's grandmother, little Mamß, forgets many things each day like how to tie her shoes, or directions to the park, she always remembers how to love her granddaughter. The two do many things together and each teaches the other, making for a wonderfully close and loving relationship. Set in California and sprinkled with Spanish phrasing, this family's life is made all the more colorful by the vibrant illustrations that give a sense of place and joy to a story that will be familiar to many. The grandmother's forgetfulness is treated in a gentle way. Children will be drawn to the way that Lucy and her little Mamß learn from each other. Glossary. Recommended. 2006, Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 40pp., $16 hc. Ages 5 to 8.

Janie Barron (The Lorgnette-Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 19, No. 3))
This heart-warming story is about a grandma that forgets many things, but always seems to remember the important ones. She forgets the toast in the toaster and whether to turn right or left to get to the park, but she always remembers how to skip, the stories of growing up in Mexico, and to give Lucy hugs and kisses. This story teaches an important lesson about family and caring for each other. Fiction. Grades 2 and up. 2006, Melanie Kroupa/Farrar Straus Giroux, Unpaged., $16.00. Ages 7 to 12.