No More Señora Mimí

PreS-Gr 2–A touching tribute of the often unrecognized impact of caregivers. Ana is excited because her grandmother is coming to live with her family. She tells her babysitter Señora Mimí all about it as she makes her way to school holding her caregiver’s hand. As she shares her news with her classmates, it’s only then that Ana realizes that when her grandmother takes over the morning and afternoon routines while her mother works, Sra. Mimí will no longer be the one who takes her to school and picks her up. The little girl sadly thinks about the things she’ll miss. Sra. Mimí is also sad, but she reminds Ana that they’ll get to see each other as neighbors, and that she’ll always be a part of her life. Medina’s pitch-perfect text captures the frenetic energy of the girl’s anticipation along with her crestfallen reaction to the disappointing news. Cicchese’s art hints at an urban setting, with a big mailbox and elevator in the lobby and the busy street of their walks to and from school. The sweet narrative and the warm, brown-tinted illustrations celebrate the community that often comes together to raise children and keep them safe. It really takes a village, and caregivers play an important part. Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout the English edition, and the characters have light brown skin. Ana’s class is diverse in skin tone and ability.