El carrito de churros

K-Gr 2–A stirring tribute to food vendors and working mothers. Two children accompany their mother to New York City’s Union Square early on a Saturday morning to sell churros out of a cart to commuters and parkgoers. The family is determined to have a successful day despite the long hours on their feet, the lack of customers, and a sudden summer rainstorm. The intrepid narrator comes up with the plan to attract clients who otherwise walk past the seemingly invisible vendors. Once the clouds part, the mother ingenuously figures out a way to drum up customers—partnering with the neighboring ice cream stand to sell churros sundaes! Onomatopoeia and bubbles are sprinkled throughout the illustrations, which are done in purples and oranges. The bright, luminous art gorgeously depicts the New York City setting, subways, park, and outdoor fun. The matter-of-fact text presents a slice-of-life narrative that features a working class family and experience that is not often not represented in picture books. The joy of community, teamwork, and family exudes from every word and image in this collaboration by the creators of The Coquíes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding. Lucia’s family has light brown skin and is cued as Latinx. Back matter includes an author’s note that explains the picture book’s inspiration, plus a list of organizations that protect vendors’ rights.