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Engle, Margarita

A Song of Frutas

40 pp. | Atheneum | September, 2021 | Trade ISBN 978-1-5344-4489-8 $17.99 | Spanish ISBN 978-1-5344-6218-2 $17.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-5344-4490-4 $10.99
(2) K-3 Illustrated by Sara Palacios. "Mango, limón, coco, melón," goes the rhythmic call of Abuelo el frutero. A smiling, curly-haired girl on a visit to her abuelo in Cuba describes walking with him on his route as he joins in on the memorable melodies of the pregoneros, street vendors who announce their goods through song. Engle's text is rich in sensory details: la yerbera sells "fragrant herbs"; the candy seller "croons so sweetly." The placement of the text itself adds visual interest, cascading down the page to mimic the lowering of a basket from a balcony, or shaped like the paper cones ("cucuruchos") sold by a dancing vendor. A vivid, light blue sky serves as backdrop for the bustling town, where buyers and sellers argue about prices but still bear cheerful expressions. Palacios's (Between Us and Abuela, rev. 11/19) digital illustrations are characterized by soft lines and warm colors that augment the positive mood throughout. That joyful tone is juxtaposed with the story's coda, as the granddaughter reveals her wish for an end to the travel restrictions that prevent Abuelo from visiting her at home in the States. Engle elaborates on this topic in an author's note, in which she also highlights the fascinating history of pregoneros. Fond reminiscences and a nuanced cultural depiction make for another warm ode to Engle's (Drum Dream Girl, rev. 5/15; All the Way to Havana, rev. 9/17; and many others) beloved isla. Concurrently ­published in Spanish as Un pregón de frutas.
Reviewer: Jessica Agudelo | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2021

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