Cecilia and Miguel Are Best Friends/Cecilia y Miguel son mejores amigos

Gr 1–4—White wavy borders surrounding beautiful illustrations give this bilingual book a scrapbook effect, the meaning of which is revealed at the end of the story. Readers follow the friendship of two children who ride bikes, fish, swim, and play tricks on each other. Through good times and bad, they continue their friendship, which grows stronger despite distance and time. When they finally meet again after attending different universities, Cecilia and Miguel eventually marry, and the bunny ears Cecilia holds up behind Miguel's head in their wedding photo (just as she did when the two were children) further emphasizes how long and deep their friendship is. They form a family, and their children ask for another story about their lives from the photo album: the very same one readers hold in their hands. Each paragraph of English is followed by one in Spanish, and the texts flow smoothly, almost lyrically, while the illustrations tie together scenes from Cecilia's and Miguel's lives. Children will notice the details in the images, such as the dog and cat that appear here and there. Hispanic traditions, such as the breaking of a piñata and a quinceañera party, are sprinkled throughout. Young readers will appreciate this story about two pals and will be surprised with a deeper story of friendship blossoming into love.—Selenia Paz, Helen Hall Library, League City, TX