Maleta Full of Treasures

Natalia Sylvester is an award-winning author of the young adult novels Breathe and Count Back from Ten and Running and the adult novels Everyone Knows You Go Home and Chasing the Sun. Born in Lima, Peru, she grew up in Miami, Central Florida, and South Texas, and received her BFA from the University of Miami. A Maleta Full of Treasures is her first picture book.Juana Medina is the creator of the Pura Belpré award-winning chapter book Juana & Lucas and many other titles and has illustrated numerous picture books, including ‘Twas the Night Before Pride and Smick! Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Juana Medina now lives with her family in the Washington D.C. area.

★ "Medina perfectly captures the warmth of this family with her adorable, charismatic art . . . This book has charming themes of family and connecting to family culture, even if it’s far away. Distance does not diminish the love of family. This is a wonderful book that will be highly relatable to many families. A must-have for any picture book collection." —School Library Journal, starred review★ "[A] beautiful and poignant homage . . . Sylvester weaves an emotional storyline that explores, through the loving, long-distance relationship, the nuances of being first-generation and longing for a land you’ve never visited but always heard about . . .  In its vibrant, warm palette, Medina’s cozy style of illustration brings to life Abuela and the magic of her maletas while capturing the bittersweetness of alternating joy and sadness that such an anticipated visit causes." —Booklist, starred review"Medina’s thick-lined cartoon images are drawn with simplicity yet are deeply expressive; the protagonist’s emotions are palpable . . . this tale of bridging gaps is sure to especially resonate with immigrant families, as well as those who find themselves far from their roots. A cozy story of family treasures that sustain connections across the miles." —Kirkus