In this charming counting book, a little girl and her mamá, abuelitos, tías, and primos are meeting at the “one cozy casita” of “two grinning abuelitos” (grandfathers) to enjoy a tasty bowl of menudo, a Mexican soup. The kids play, the grown-ups chat, and then everyone helps prepare the soup.
But as the story reaches 15, disaster strikes, and the bowl of menudo spills. The family takes “one deep breath” and starts again, not letting the setback stop them.
The story exudes family fun as the relatives work and play together, while it also offers a nice message about perseverance after a setback. The fact that the two abuelitos are a couple is clarified by a portrait at the end of the book of the two of them as younger men, with their arms around each other. The story is a welcome addition to the small number of picture books depicting LGBTQ grandparents—but their queerness is incidental to the tale.
Author María Dolores Águila’s text is, as the subtitle indicates, in Spanglish—mostly English, but sprinkled with Spanish words. Many of the Spanish words can be inferred from context or from illustrator Erika Meza’s delightful images, while a glossary offers additional assistance for those who need it. Backmatter also includes tips for hosting your own Menudo Sunday; all told, the book is a highly recommended tasty treat.
