Papa's Pastries
K-Gr 2–On a cold morning, Miguel wakes up to the sound of raindrops dripping from the hole in the roof of his house. Outside, he overhears his father's worried prayer in which he asks God for a new roof, firewood he needs for his pastry business, and clothes for his family. Without these things, they will not survive. Together, Miguel and his father fill a large sack with already made pastries, and they journey to three nearby villages where they hope to sell them. When they enter each village, Papa sings and the villagers sing, dance, and clap along with him, for he is well known for his beautiful voice. But times are hard, and no one has money for his wares. When he notices villagers who need help, he ends up giving all his pastries away. When he returns home, Mama is clearly exasperated. The next morning brings a heartwarming solution to the family's woes as neighbors from the three villages come to visit and use their various talents to repay Papa's kindness. That night, Miguel prays, “Thank you for your loving kindness. And thank you, Lord, for my Papa. Amen.” Soft, sweet illustrations accompany this gentle story. The use of Spanish words and the pictures of the people, landscape, village scenes, and clothing suggest that the setting is Mexico or perhaps, a South American country.–Mary N. Oluonye, Shaker Heights Public Library, OHα(c) Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.