Written and Illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao
Sari-Sari Summers is the perfect read aloud for a warm summer day! Nora and her lola love to work together at the sari-sari store. However, a heat wave has dried up all their business. While they are talking under the trees outside, Nora notices that the mangoes are ripe. With the perfect inspiration, Nora and Lola make mango ice candy and “save the day” for everyone.
This is a beautiful ode to grandmothers and grandchildren, the Philippines, problem solving, and cooking together. Lovely artwork, in bright hues and charming illustrations. I got lost looking at all the incredible details in the street scene and on the shelves of the sari-sari store. The recipe for mango ice candy sent me to my own kitchen. My only criticism, I kept flipping to the back looking for a glossary with definitions of the words in the Filipino language that was not there.
Reviewed by Kristen Hunt, Librarian, Whittier Elementary School
Review shared in July 2023
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)
Interest Level: PreK-3rd Grade
Sari-Sari Summers
Written and Illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao
Candlewick Press
40 pages
Release Date: April 11, 2023
ISBN: 9781536226140
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
