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May Your Life Be Deliciosa

A celebration of family and holiday traditions

Michael Genhart author Loris Lora illustrator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cameron & Company Inc

Published:30th Sep '21

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May Your Life Be Deliciosa cover

This picture book beautifully illustrates the joy of family traditions through tamale-making, emphasizing love and connection in each step of the process.

In May Your Life Be Deliciosa, the heartwarming story unfolds in a cozy kitchen filled with the scents and sounds of holiday preparations. Rosie, the young protagonist, eagerly anticipates the annual tradition of tamale-making with her beloved abuela and family. As they gather around, the kitchen transforms into a vibrant hub of activity, where laughter and love blend seamlessly with the ingredients. The author beautifully captures the essence of family bonds and cultural heritage, making the reader feel the warmth of each moment shared.

The narrative takes a deeper turn as Rosie learns that the secret to a perfect tamale isn't just about the ingredients, but the love and care infused in the process. Abuela's wisdom shines through as she teaches Rosie to use her senses—her eyes, hands, and mouth—to create not just food, but memories. This enchanting picture book serves as a reminder that family traditions, like tamale-making, are rich with stories and life lessons.

Ultimately, May Your Life Be Deliciosa is more than just a recipe for tamales; it’s a celebration of life, love, and the importance of passing down traditions. Through Rosie's journey, readers are invited to appreciate the flavors of their own lives, encouraging them to savor each moment spent with loved ones. It’s a delightful homage to the beauty of family gatherings and the joy of sharing delicious food together.

**STARRED REVIEW**
"Drawing upon their own Latinx family experiences, Genhart and Lora cook up a beautiful story of food and cultural identity, rooted in family recipes, storytelling, and togetherness."

* Booklist *

**STARRED REVIEW**
"The warmth of family love and support wafts enticingly through this homage to tradition."

* Kirkus Reviews *
Colors, flowers, rooms filled with laughing people, and a flowing well-paced text combine in a mantra-like telling, as rewarding as the tamales themselves. A bilingual beauty that celebrates family across generations, and traditions that can be shared beyond the communal table. * School Library Journ

  • Commended for Pura Belpre Award (Illustrator) 2022

ISBN: 9781951836221

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

40 pages