Amada Irma Perez, illustrated by Maya Christina Gonzalez,
Nana's Big Surprise/Nana Que Sorpresa!
Children’s Book Press, 2007.

Ages 6+

This touching bilingual story of five brothers and a sister helping their grandmother cope with their grandfather’s death is sure to bring tears and smiles to readers young and old.

The children remember their grandfather working at his produce stall in the Mercado in Mexicali, their former hometown.  They also remember their grandmother as a fun-loving and lively individual, and they hope they can help her rediscover joy while she stays with them in the months following her husband’s death.

The children build an elaborate chicken coop as a surprise for Nana, who raised chickens as a girl, in the hope that she will share her knowledge with them and forget her sorrows.  But it doesn’t happen so easily.  “…what a beautiful surprise!” Nana exclaims upon seeing the chicken coop, but when her grandson asks her to teach them about chickens she responds, “I don’t know that I’m up to such a job.”

Nana’s grief recedes slowly as she immerses herself in chickens and grandchildren until one day she breaks into song and dance while scattering chicken feed. Naturally the family is overjoyed to learn that their fun-loving Nana has returned, and they are all glad to have helped her recover, while learning about grief in the process.  “…it’s natural to grieve,” Nana tells them, “and to find comfort in the love of your family.”

Maya Christina Gonzalez’ magical illustrations bring Amada Irma Perez’s heartfelt story to life.  Their earlier collaborations, My Very Own Room and My Diary from Here to There, have sold over 90,000 copies and won numerous awards, but in Nana’s Big Surprise, Gonzalez demonstrates an inspired new illustration technique, blending photography, painting and collage.  The dreamlike way in which photographs of commonplace objects are integrated into her sensitive paintings creates a depth and allure seldom achieved in picture-book illustrations.  Children will love picking out the everyday objects so familiar to them while being transported in picture and story to the healing experience of Nana Que Sorpresa!  “Bravas!” once again, to this fabulous duo.

Abigail Sawyer
May 2007