Precious by Carlos Aponte - OPTIONAL

Precious by Carlos Aponte. PICTURE BOOK. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2025. $19. 9780593856802

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

While his Dad is settling into a new job in the United States, Pedrito and the rest of the family continue their lives in Puerto Rico.  When a hurricane seeps through, they cobble their life back together and Pedrito rescues a small dog. Pedrito finds the dog's owner and the community helps each other to recover.

I wanted to enjoy this look at life recovering after a hurricane and a family coming together again, but the writing feels stiff, lacking immediacy or interest. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS