Old Clothes for Dinner?!

March 1, 2024
A hilarious mistranslation has a young girl fearing she'll have to eat something unsavory. Abuela recently moved from Cuba to live with Magaly and her mother and brother. Ever since her arrival, everyone seems happier, and their cozy apartment is always filled with wonderful aromas as Abuela prepares new and wonderful foods such as fricas� de pollo, picadillo, and arroz con leche, which quickly becomes Magaly's favorite. But when Abuela says that today she'll be making ropa vieja, Magaly, who speaks some Spanish, is horrified. Old clothes?! Hastily, she begins hiding her favorite clothes, believing that if she doesn't make them disappear, they'll end up being served to her for dinner. That night, the family sits down to ropa vieja. It doesn't taste bad, but Magaly's still unable to finish her plate. Eventually, she learns that ropa vieja is shredded beef, so named because of its resemblance to a pile of old clothes. Everyone bursts out laughing, and Magaly's confusion ends up bringing everyone even closer together. Spanish words are mixed in throughout. Vibrant illustrations brim with energy and movement as carrots, tomatoes, peas, and other foodstuffs careen across the pages. Both text and visuals convey sensory experiences such as smells and flavors and paint a portrait of a loving Cuban American immigrant family and their traditions. A sweet family story about building understanding across generations. (information about other dishes with unusual names, facts about Cuba, glossary, author's and illustrator's notes, recipes) (Picture book. 3-6)

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April 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 3-Since Abuela arrived from Havana to live with her family, Magaly notes that life has improved for all. Mami is more relaxed, Magaly and her brother practice Spanish everyday, and all enjoy Abuela's cooking, especially arroz con leche with extra cinnamon on top. When Abuela says that she is preparing ropa vieja for dinner, though, Magaly becomes concerned as she understands the phrase to mean "old clothes." When she can't find her favorite sweater, and her brother can't find his favorite T-shirt, Magaly is even more alarmed. Eventually, Mami explains that the delicious dish gets its name "because the shredded beef looks like a heap of old clothes," and the family enjoys a laugh together. Lively digital illustrations convey details that deepen the lighthearted humor. Back matter includes a list of imaginatively named dishes, such as ladyfingers and pigs in a blanker. Brief facts about Cuba, a glossary, and recipes are also included. VERDICT This appealing book celebrates family values passed along through cooking and culture. Great for sharing, it should have a wide audience.-Marilyn Taniguchi

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2024
Since arriving from Havana, Magaly's talented abuela has "whipped up one Cuban dish after another." It's all new and tasty -- but when Magaly hears about ropa vieja, literally "old clothes," she starts to grow concerned...and to hide her favorite garments. Lively, warm-toned digital illustrations display abuela's "zesty" dishes and Magaly's funny misunderstanding. Useful and entertaining back matter includes author and illustrator notes, two recipes, brief "Facts About Cuba," examples of "recipes with imaginative names" from various cultures, and a glossary.

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