No más señora Mimí

September 1, 2024
Ana spends mornings and afternoons with senora Mimi, her neighbor and babysitter who has "a two-tooth baby named Nelson and a no-tooth dog named Pancho." She is excited that her abuela is going to start watching her when she moves in with Ana and her mami until Ana realizes, "No more senora Mimi? I hadn't really thought about that." On her last afternoon at senora Mimi's, Ana starts to feel down about a new routine without her beloved babysitter. Senora Mimi consoles her: "Grandmothers love us in a very special way, so I know you are excited about your abuela. But I will miss you, Ana, and I feel a little sad." They come up with some concrete ways they can all be friends when her abuela comes, and that cheers them both up. Cicchese's soft digital illustrations are filled with inviting jewel tones and soothing textures including crayon strokes, knit patterns, and wood grain. Medina captures the young narrator's voice perfectly so that young readers will be able to understand the tricky emotions that come up in the text. This is a warm tribute to all sorts of caregivers, and the final scene shows Ana's abuela fitting in seamlessly with this loving relationship. Concurrently published in Spanish as No mas senora Mimi. Monica de los Reyes

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

August 9, 2024
Grades K-2 Ana is beyond excited for her abuela to move in with her and her mom, especially since it will mean she no longer has to be babysat by her upstairs neighbor, la Se�ora Mim�. Ana thinks she will have constant playtime and freedom once her abuela moves in, but she soon realizes everything she loves and appreciates about la Se�ora Mim�--from her cute baby to her sweet dog, Pancho--and how much she will miss being walked to and from school by a neighbor friend who cares about her. Medina's heartfelt story explores the unique bonds children have with nonfamilial caregivers who become chosen family. Even when Abuela moves in, Ana makes an effort to keep Se�ora Mim� in her life, hanging out at the park and eating snacks together. While initially Ana sees Se�ora Mim�'s rules as frustrating, she comes to realize that her neighbor is performing an act of kindness every day so that her mother can go to work. A heartwarming tale about a community that comes together to raise a child.

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Starred review from October 4, 2024

PreS-Gr 2-A touching tribute of the often unrecognized impact of caregivers. Ana is excited because her grandmother is coming to live with her family. She tells her babysitter Se�ora Mim� all about it as she makes her way to school holding her caregiver's hand. As she shares her news with her classmates, it's only then that Ana realizes that when her grandmother takes over the morning and afternoon routines while her mother works, Sra. Mim� will no longer be the one who takes her to school and picks her up. The little girl sadly thinks about the things she'll miss. Sra. Mim� is also sad, but she reminds Ana that they'll get to see each other as neighbors, and that she'll always be a part of her life. Medina's pitch-perfect text captures the frenetic energy of the girl's anticipation along with her crestfallen reaction to the disappointing news. Cicchese's art hints at an urban setting, with a big mailbox and elevator in the lobby and the busy street of their walks to and from school. The sweet narrative and the warm, brown-tinted illustrations celebrate the community that often comes together to raise children and keep them safe. It really takes a village, and caregivers play an important part. Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout the English edition, and the characters have light brown skin. Ana's class is diverse in skin tone and ability. VERDICT For the Sra. Mim�s who help the world go around, this picture book belongs on every picture book shelf.-Shelley M. Diaz

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