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Little Mamá Forgets
Every morning, Lucy tiptoes into her grandmother's room to wake her with a gentle tickle. Little Mamá always remembers to tickle Lucy right back! But Lucy knows there are things her abuelita sometimes forgets – like the way to the park or how to tie her shoes. "Two long bunny ears like this," Lucy shows her. Still, there's much that Little Mamá remembers and shares: how to skip and dance, stories from Mexico, and plenty of hugs and kisses.
A lyrical text with Spanish words and phrases and vibrant art spiced with cultural details capture the give-and-take in this lively Hispanic family and celebrate the special bonds that exist between young and old.
A lyrical text with Spanish words and phrases and vibrant art spiced with cultural details capture the give-and-take in this lively Hispanic family and celebrate the special bonds that exist between young and old.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published March 21, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 14, 2019
This review was originally published at http://www.drttmk.com/books/little-ma....
Unrealistic, or highly unusual, memory loss.
I'm not sure exactly what's supposed to be going on with "Little Mamá", the titular forgetful character. At the end it says, "Almost everyday, Little Mamá forgets... names and places and people and words. She forgets so many things she once knew." So is she losing her memory as she gets older? It doesn't seem like she has Alzheimer's. It certainly seems like she's mostly in control of her faculties. Although there is a part where she forgets to like wait for the light to turn green before she crosses the road, or forgets which way they have to turn to get to the store. But on the other hand, she remembers how her granddaughter likes her rice pudding (maybe it's just how she herself likes it, and she's not actually remembering?).
Also, it seems like she intentionally forgets things. It says, "Almost every afternoon, while Antonio naps and Mama studies, Little Mamá forgets... that she and Paco and I are supposed to sleep a little too." And instead of sleeping, they play with things that are in her old trunk. "Some evenings Little Mamá forgets... that there are only five of us for dinner." And so they make a kajillion tortillas and then she has the whole family over. But then, other days she forgets how to tie her shoes and brush her teeth. She doesn't seem to forget who people are, which is pretty common in Alzheimer's. She just forgets weird things.
It's okay. There's nothing really bad here. I guess it's showing the main character interacting with her grandmother even though she's losing her memory. She seems to remember things that are important to the granddaughter. Which, like I said, is rather inconsistent with the forms of memory loss that I'm familiar with. She forgets that the granddaughters name is Lucy, not Luciano (which is Little Mamá's name). Why would she call someone else by her own name? Maybe it's Lucy's mother's name, too? I feel like I have to make a lot of excuses for this book to make sense.
People with Alzheimer's usually forget the most recent things first. But when did Luciano learn that the light needed to be green before she crosses the street? The book says she used to live in Mexico. Is that not a thing there? And tying shoes and brushing teeth? That's something that Alzheimer's patients forget, but that is usually further in the development of the disease, like around the time they forget who their loved ones are. And usually Alzheimer's patients have behavioral issues as well, including aggressiveness and confusion, which Luciano doesn't display at all. She seems pretty chipper all the time. And apparently Lucy's mother feels okay leaving her kids with their grandmother (although she is implied to be nearby), so she's not worried that Luciano will lash out at them or forget how to take care of them.
I don't know what the future holds for Lucy and her grandmother. It sounds like it's probably going to be depressing, though. I really don't know what this book is trying to accomplish. Maybe understanding that people who forget things are still people?
The summary says that "Lucy finds that she still remembers the things that are important to the two of them." And there's a part of the book that's about how she and her family are Mexican-Americans, and the older family members used to live in Mexico. And there's a little bit of Spanish in there for the educational aspect. And it's good that the book actually portrays someone who is losing her memory as she ages. But it'd be nice if it was more accurate.
Message: When you lose your memory as you age, you lose things kind of randomly and sporadically.
Unrealistic, or highly unusual, memory loss.
I'm not sure exactly what's supposed to be going on with "Little Mamá", the titular forgetful character. At the end it says, "Almost everyday, Little Mamá forgets... names and places and people and words. She forgets so many things she once knew." So is she losing her memory as she gets older? It doesn't seem like she has Alzheimer's. It certainly seems like she's mostly in control of her faculties. Although there is a part where she forgets to like wait for the light to turn green before she crosses the road, or forgets which way they have to turn to get to the store. But on the other hand, she remembers how her granddaughter likes her rice pudding (maybe it's just how she herself likes it, and she's not actually remembering?).
Also, it seems like she intentionally forgets things. It says, "Almost every afternoon, while Antonio naps and Mama studies, Little Mamá forgets... that she and Paco and I are supposed to sleep a little too." And instead of sleeping, they play with things that are in her old trunk. "Some evenings Little Mamá forgets... that there are only five of us for dinner." And so they make a kajillion tortillas and then she has the whole family over. But then, other days she forgets how to tie her shoes and brush her teeth. She doesn't seem to forget who people are, which is pretty common in Alzheimer's. She just forgets weird things.
It's okay. There's nothing really bad here. I guess it's showing the main character interacting with her grandmother even though she's losing her memory. She seems to remember things that are important to the granddaughter. Which, like I said, is rather inconsistent with the forms of memory loss that I'm familiar with. She forgets that the granddaughters name is Lucy, not Luciano (which is Little Mamá's name). Why would she call someone else by her own name? Maybe it's Lucy's mother's name, too? I feel like I have to make a lot of excuses for this book to make sense.
People with Alzheimer's usually forget the most recent things first. But when did Luciano learn that the light needed to be green before she crosses the street? The book says she used to live in Mexico. Is that not a thing there? And tying shoes and brushing teeth? That's something that Alzheimer's patients forget, but that is usually further in the development of the disease, like around the time they forget who their loved ones are. And usually Alzheimer's patients have behavioral issues as well, including aggressiveness and confusion, which Luciano doesn't display at all. She seems pretty chipper all the time. And apparently Lucy's mother feels okay leaving her kids with their grandmother (although she is implied to be nearby), so she's not worried that Luciano will lash out at them or forget how to take care of them.
I don't know what the future holds for Lucy and her grandmother. It sounds like it's probably going to be depressing, though. I really don't know what this book is trying to accomplish. Maybe understanding that people who forget things are still people?
The summary says that "Lucy finds that she still remembers the things that are important to the two of them." And there's a part of the book that's about how she and her family are Mexican-Americans, and the older family members used to live in Mexico. And there's a little bit of Spanish in there for the educational aspect. And it's good that the book actually portrays someone who is losing her memory as she ages. But it'd be nice if it was more accurate.
Message: When you lose your memory as you age, you lose things kind of randomly and sporadically.
October 17, 2012
Wow, I love this book. It brought me back when I was a child. I didn't have abuelita, but I do have an aunt that was so simplier as Lucy's grandma Luciana. This is a Mexican culture story book. I give it a five; the book has depict a Mexican culture that comes alive in her characters. It has Spanish words with very good translation. The illustration is to radiant, big, and very colorful with picture of the street walk of Mexico. Lucy and Little Mama have a close relationship. I will recommend this book to anyone.
Little Mama forgets the toast was burning, how to tie her shoes, forgets what direction to take to cross the street, not to pitch the fruits, to put Lucy, Paco, and herself to sleep, and to give five people at the table to tortillas. Little Mama does not forget that she has a family that loves her so much.
Learning Experience: The teacher will place a "T-Chart" describing the Mexican culture vs american culture with social studies lesson plan. The teacher will ask a question, "How many tortillas did Little Mama cook?" then subtract it to how many she need to cook in the first place for example: 70 tortillas - 5 people = 65 extra tortillas.
Little Mama forgets the toast was burning, how to tie her shoes, forgets what direction to take to cross the street, not to pitch the fruits, to put Lucy, Paco, and herself to sleep, and to give five people at the table to tortillas. Little Mama does not forget that she has a family that loves her so much.
Learning Experience: The teacher will place a "T-Chart" describing the Mexican culture vs american culture with social studies lesson plan. The teacher will ask a question, "How many tortillas did Little Mama cook?" then subtract it to how many she need to cook in the first place for example: 70 tortillas - 5 people = 65 extra tortillas.
November 7, 2009
Pre-school- Third Grade as a read along or Independet reader
Little Mama Forgets
Stacey Dressen-McQueen uses her illustrations to depict a Mexican culture that comes alive in her characters. The bright colors and patterns on their clothing and even in the background remind the reader that this story is set in Mexico. The end pages are decorated full of “family photos” that show the importance of family. The text is written in both English and Spanish with the Spanish words italicized to draw more attention to them. This story has much appeal because of the emotion that is exposed between the Grandma “Little mama’ and the Granddaughter.
Social Studies/ Math
Social Studies Example-Discuss with students the traits of a family and how they differ from culture to culture. Diagram the different types of families children grow up in. Communicate how everyone does not always have a nuclear family.
Little Mama Forgets
Stacey Dressen-McQueen uses her illustrations to depict a Mexican culture that comes alive in her characters. The bright colors and patterns on their clothing and even in the background remind the reader that this story is set in Mexico. The end pages are decorated full of “family photos” that show the importance of family. The text is written in both English and Spanish with the Spanish words italicized to draw more attention to them. This story has much appeal because of the emotion that is exposed between the Grandma “Little mama’ and the Granddaughter.
Social Studies/ Math
Social Studies Example-Discuss with students the traits of a family and how they differ from culture to culture. Diagram the different types of families children grow up in. Communicate how everyone does not always have a nuclear family.
April 17, 2010
This book is about a woman who suffers from Alzheimer's and is told through the point of view of her grand daughter. The family is Spanish, and the book has a few words in Spanish, but they can be easily translated due to the context of the story. The girl loves her grandmother very much and they have a special relationship. The girl mentions several times throughout the story that her grandmother forgets, but at the end of the day she remembers.
I would have this book available as an independent reader in my classroom and would recommend reading/giving it to any child who has someone they love dealing with this disease. Also it would be nice to have in a classroom so children of Spanish heritage would have a good book choice with familiar characters.
I would have this book available as an independent reader in my classroom and would recommend reading/giving it to any child who has someone they love dealing with this disease. Also it would be nice to have in a classroom so children of Spanish heritage would have a good book choice with familiar characters.
April 17, 2012
'Little Mamá Forgets' chronicles the experiences of a young girl living with her ever-forgetful but perpetually loving Abuela. Although the girl must remind her Abuela of details such as how many people are coming for breakfast, the Abuela is not depicted as senile or incompetent as she cooks, sings, and plays with her granddaughter with much gusto and enthusiasm. The colorful and lively photographs will inspire the children to equate the grandma with a youthful energy despite her occasional memory lapses. This story is beneficial in encouraging the children to value intergenerational living situations, and its representation of a multicultural family will validate those children who speak Spanish at home and who are responsible for the mastery of two languages.
October 25, 2009
Though this precious book is about a little girl finding all that is still special about her Grandmother, I have to admit with misty eyes that it made me recall how I spent the last 2 years of my mother's life doing much the same. After 11 years of breast cancer, complicated with brain cancer the last two years, I lived with my parents the last months of her life. Dying exactly 3 months ago today, I did not anticipate that this book would be a hard tap on my heart recalling all that the disease robbed her of - yet all that she could still do that made her ours. Thank you, Robin, for a book that travelled to places perhaps unintended!
November 21, 2013
Lyrical text Si, si, delicioso, mama, and pequenita are just a few spanish to english words used in this text. Brillant, lively and authentic illustrations take you into the setting of a hispanic family environment; decorations, food, shopping markets and culture that take one into a hispanic family home. The relationship between the young Lucy and her grandmother is enduring and everlasting. Phonemic awareness sounding words out as syllables twir-r-r-rl and Dan-cing . This book portrays the kindness of hispanic culture in the most authentic manner. A great read for a culturally respnisive classroom.
April 7, 2014
This book is about a young girl and her bond with her "little mama" or grandmother. She talks about the events throughout the day that they share such as waking up to tickles or dancing around in dancing shoes. Even though her grandma forgets things, it does not change the loving bond that they have. This book could be used to teach about repetition within stories and how it helps the reader. Young readers can read more fluently when some words are repeated. It also has Spanish dialogue and would be good for Spanish speaking students as a cultural connection and to hopefully get them more engaged in the reading.
July 26, 2008
This story is about a little girl, her grandmother, and their daily activities. Sometimes the grandmother forgets day to day things, like how tie her shoes, but she always remembers things that are special like brushing her granddaughter's hair before bed and to tuck her in with a song and a kiss.
This is a sweet story that gently touches on an aging grandmother who is unable to live alone. However, the focus is more on the fun that she and her granddaughter have together while they are living together.
This is a sweet story that gently touches on an aging grandmother who is unable to live alone. However, the focus is more on the fun that she and her granddaughter have together while they are living together.
January 31, 2009
I loved this book! This is a story told by a child about her grandmother. It sounds as if the grandmother is suffering from dementia or a similar condition. However, the child focuses on all of the wonderful things about her "Little Mama" rather than the things she forgets. This is a celebration of culture and family. I think the Spanish sprinkled amongst the pages enhances the story without alienating non-Spanish speaking readers. It's a very universal story. The illustrations are vivid and engaging. I love the "snapshots" on the inside covers.
February 4, 2016
Luciana Maria Isabela Galvez-Molinero is Lucy's grandmother, or "Little Mama." Little Mama forgets many things such as the bread in the toaster, how to tie her shoes, and that a red traffic light means stop. But most important to Lucy is what Little Mama remembers: pouring rivers of cream on Lucy's rice pudding, dancing, and making tortillas for the family. A loving intergenerational story that shows Lucy accepts her grandmother's inevitable senility but still recognizes and loves the essence that she is.
September 3, 2016
Lucy's grandmother is starting to forget little things like the toast in the toaster, how to tie her shoes, which way to walk to the park and to wait for the green light before crossing the street. Lucy is very glad she can help her grandmother remember these things. Because her grandmother remembers the really important things like putting cream in Lucy's rice pudding and that she likes to be tickled and how to dance.
A great book to introduce children to Alzheimer's.
A great book to introduce children to Alzheimer's.
July 11, 2014
Hum, What to say about this book. The pictures are beautiful and the story is nice but... it is a little depressing.
It is about a Grandma who forgets due to old age... but it is also about the things she remembers.
There is the Spanish Element and I don't speak Spanish but thankfully it is just Buenos Noches and Sesame Street Spanish .
Not very interested Mexican Culture but there a lot of people it is relevant to. That is why we read to learn about other people and cultures!
It is about a Grandma who forgets due to old age... but it is also about the things she remembers.
There is the Spanish Element and I don't speak Spanish but thankfully it is just Buenos Noches and Sesame Street Spanish .
Not very interested Mexican Culture but there a lot of people it is relevant to. That is why we read to learn about other people and cultures!
April 17, 2011
This is a great book because it teaches Spanish and shows a lot of colors. This book is about a little girl who shares her experiences with her grandmother a.k.a. Little Mama, who is suffering from what sounds like old age. This book has a warm mood to it and is full of love. This story can relate to students who speak Spanish.
November 27, 2011
The family is Spanish, and the book has a few words in Spanish, but they can be easily translated due to the context of the story. The girl loves her grandmother very much and they have a special relationship. The girl mentions several times throughout the story that her grandmother forgets, but at the end of the day she remembers.
May 27, 2018
Sweet story of young girl who watches over her grandma in their home in California. Abuelita comes from a village in Mexico and remembers that better. Lucy, the young girl, watches over Abuelita so she doesn't walk into traffic and forget her toast, but Abuelita gives much love in place. Nice book with a Mexican flavor about a grandmother with dementia.
Read
April 27, 2017I really enjoyed reading this book because it reminded me of the relationship I have with my Nana! It is about a girl and her grandmother. The story is about all of the fun things they do together. It does include some Spanish vocabulary.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Genre: Realistic Fiction
August 7, 2010
Beautiful, tender exploration of dementia for the younger set. Lovely to share with your child even if this hasn't been an issue for your family. Written by my lovely friend, Robin Cruise.
January 25, 2011
A little girl remembers her grandma also known as Little Mama. Little Mama seems to forget everything. The books has several words in Spanish.
April 11, 2011
This is a good book in a diverse classroom with spanish-speakers in it. It also touches on older relatives who sometimes forgets things as they age. I would use this story for independent reading.
May 22, 2011
Sweet story about a little girl who observes that her grandmother forgets a lot of things, but remembers the most important ones.
Read
August 8, 2011Warm and loving, great pictures.
January 25, 2016
So sad to think that someone you know is losing their memory. Read this to think about what is really important to remember in life.
Read
April 10, 2018Great book if you know students in your classroom have family members that suffer from Alzheimer's. This also displays a different culture from what most books display.
May 5, 2023
I'm not sure that this is what early dementia or Alzheimer's looks like. And I'm not sure Cruise is the right person to tell a story about a family of Mexican heritage. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it, and as part of a larger library, with other books on both themes, I do recommend this LFL find.
Read
September 21, 2017Every morning, Lucy tiptoes into her grandmother's room to wake her with a gentle tickle. Little Mamá always remembers to tickle Lucy right back! But Lucy knows there are things her abuelita sometimes forgets" like the way to the park or how to tie her shoes. "Two long bunny ears like this," Lucy shows her. Still, there's much that Little Mamá remembers and shares: how to skip and dance, stories from Mexico, and plenty of hugs and kisses.
A lyrical text with Spanish words and phrases and vibrant art spiced with cultural details capture the give-and-take in this lively Hispanic family and celebrate the special bonds that exist between young and old.
Subject: Grandmothers -- Juvenile fiction
Memory -- Juvenile fiction.
Old age -- Juvenile fiction.
Families -- California -- Juvenile fiction.
Mexican Americans -- Juvenile fiction
Bibliotherapy -- Juvenile fiction
A lyrical text with Spanish words and phrases and vibrant art spiced with cultural details capture the give-and-take in this lively Hispanic family and celebrate the special bonds that exist between young and old.
Subject: Grandmothers -- Juvenile fiction
Memory -- Juvenile fiction.
Old age -- Juvenile fiction.
Families -- California -- Juvenile fiction.
Mexican Americans -- Juvenile fiction
Bibliotherapy -- Juvenile fiction
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