“The Yellow Handkerchief” by Donna Barba Higuera Gets Starred Booklist Review!

A young girl doesn’t like her grandmother’s old yellow handkerchief. Abuela wears the pañuelo amarillo in her hair while gathering tomatillos and peppers from their garden, uses it to carry eggs from the chicken coop, and waves it to catch the child’s attention. When a friend comes over to play, the narrator is self-conscious, seeing the well-worn handkerchief as a bright beacon that draws attention to all the ways her family is different from her peer’s—from the homemade chorizo in their rural kitchen, instead of store-bought pizza, to the Spanish words spoken instead of English. With some distance and reflection, the child begins to view the handkerchief as a source of comfort, not embarrassment, and realizes the depth of her grandmother’s hard work, fortitude, and unequivocal love. Complex, conflicting emotions are realistically conveyed with potent subtlety. Spanish words are woven gracefully throughout: “Abuela slips off her yellow handkerchief and wipes my tears. She kisses my cheek. ‘Ser tú mismo,’ she says, telling me to be myself.” Argentinian illustrator Alonso’s expressive digitally created artwork radiates warmth with vivid colors and tender scenes, capturing compassionate care and familial traditions passed down through the generations. Inspired by Newbery medalist Higuera’s own childhood memories (as revealed in a poignant author’s endnote), this marvelous and moving picture book is an affecting tribute to the ties that bind.— Linda Ludke