No More Señora Mimí

by Meg Medina, Brittany Cicchese (illustrator)

From Newbery Medalist Meg Medina, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, comes a poignant salute to the caregivers who enter a child’s tender world.

Ana cannot contain her excitement—her abuela is coming to stay with her and Mami for always! Abuela is sure to let Ana play whenever she wants instead of rushing her off to school, like her neighbor and babysitter, señora Mimí, sometimes does. In fact, as Ana’s classmate points out, she won’t need señora Mimí to babysit at all anymore! But señora Mimí is a good listener, and they have a lot of fun together feeding the squirrels and eating snacks. Maybe Ana isn’t ready to say goodbye to señora Mimí just yet? Masterful storyteller Meg Medina shares a reassuring tale that celebrates caregivers and community and their special role in children's lives, paired with warm, expressive illustrations by Brittany Cicchese.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Latinx, Childrens, Friendship, Emotion, Contemporary

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2024

About the author

Meg Medina served as the 2023-2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. She is the author of the Newbery Medal–winning book Merci Suárez Changes Gears, which was also a 2018 Kirkus Prize finalist, and which was followed by two more acclaimed books about the Suárez family: Merci Suárez Can’t Dance and Merci Suárez Plays It Cool. Her young adult novels include Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass, which won the 2014 Pura Belpré Author Award, and which was published in 2023 as a graphic novel illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas; Burn Baby Burn, which was long-listed for the National Book Award; and The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind. She is also the author of picture books No More Señora Mimí / No más Señora Mimí, Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away / Evelyn del Rey se muda, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez, Jumpstart’s 2020 Read for the Record selection; Mango, Abuela, and Me, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, which was a Pura Belpré Author Award Honor Book; and Tía Isa Wants a Car, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, which won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award; and biographies for young readers She Persisted: Sonia Sotomayor and She Persisted: Pura Belpré, the latter with Marilisa Jiménez García.

The daughter of Cuban immigrants, she grew up in Queens, New York, and now lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

No More Senora Mimi is a precious story, beautifully illustrated, about a young girl who feels sad when she realises that when her abuela moves in (an otherwise happy occasion for her) means that she will no longer be seeing her beloved babysitter Senora Mimi twice a day. It's a sweet story, sensitively handled, with a happy ending. Definitely recommended!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about change in a child’s life and how conflicting their emotions can feel. I love this book for opening conversations about how children can prepare and adjust when big changes happen.

[Sharon Velez Diodonet · Rating 5 out of 5]

No More Señora Mimi by Meg Medina & Illustrated by Brittany Cicchese was such a cute, wholesome read. It's a wonderful to show children that babysitters and grandparents can love them in their own special way and that there is room in their lives for both. This was such a special story to remind children that found family is also important and that babysitters enforce rules because they have their best interest at heart.

The artwork has a fall vibe and makes this book a perfect read for back to school. The illustrations are beautiful. I appreciated seeing diverse children on the pages, as well as, the inclusivity of having depictions of disabled children. It was a great way to normalize the diversity of communities that children encounter. The fall scenery made me so happy.

Because babysitters and caregivers play different but special roles in some children's lives, here's a list of book recommendations that would pair well with this one:
🍁 Just Me and My Babysitter by Mercer Mayer
🍂 Dear Nanny: My Special Caregiver and Me by Kateina Liu
🍁 See You Soon by Dilraz Kunnummal
🍂 Don't want to Go! by Shirley Hughes
🍁 The Berenstain Bears and the Babysitter by Stan and Jan Berenstain
🍂 What Kind of Babysitter is This? by Delores Johnson

Thanks to #partners @candlewickpress and to the team at @hearourvoicestours for the gifted copy and the opportunity to review this lovely book.

[Viviane Elbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book features a nanny and the relationship a child has with her. I think that kids who have babysitters watching over them can also probably relate to how the main character Ana feels when she realizes that she will not be in the care of her babysitter anymore now that her grandmother is coming to live with them and look after her.

[YSBR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana lives in an apartment with Mami, and is really excited because her abuela is coming to live with them.  Every day, their upstairs neighbor, Señora Mimí, walks Ana to school and picks her up too, caring for her in the afternoon until Mami comes home from work.  Ana loves spending time with Señora Mimí, her baby Nelson and dog Pancho, but she won’t need to once Abuela moves in.  At first Ana’s anticipation about her grandmother’s arrival overshadows any other feelings, but reality sinks in on her last afternoon at Señora Mimí’s.  Ana mopes with Pancho under the table until Señora Mimí joins her to commiserate and reassure her that, even though their current arrangement will change, she is still her neighbor and her friend, and she is looking forward to spending time with Abuela too!

This sweet picture book is a warm and loving tribute to the babysitters and caregivers who become like family.  The bond between Ana and Mimí is evident in every detail (even as Ana sassily thinks about how Abuela won’t rush her on the way to school like Mimí does): they have matching sweaters and Mimí has taught Ana a shoe tying song, and Ana clearly cherishes their daily routines.  The gentle tone of the text will make readers simultaneously sad and hopeful, and the style of the digitally-rendered illustrations pairs perfectly with the writing.  Pastel tones, textures like wood grain floors, woven rugs, and fall scenery provide a soft backdrop to the characters and their expressive faces, and readers will appreciate small details like Ana feeding Pancho under the table and the pictures that Ana and Mimí draw for Abuela’s new bedroom. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana is so excited for her Abuela to arrive tonight. But first, she needs to be dropped off at Seńora Mimí’s while her mom goes to work. Señora Mimí has been Ana’s babysitter, taking her to school and picking her up. But, now that Ana’s Abuela is coming, she won’t need to go to Señora Mimí’s anymore. As excited as Ana had been about having her Abuela come and stay, she didn’t think about the fact that Señora Mimí wouldn’t be taking care of her anymore. And that makes her sad.

After school, Ana hides under the table because she doesn’t want Señora Mimí to know she is sad. Ana will miss eating buttered crackers and playing with Pancho the dog. But she is also excited to see her Abuela. Thanks to Señora Mimí, Ana realizes she can still be excited about Abuela coming and she can still visit Señora Mimí anytime she wants.

Kids who struggle with changes in a routine will relate to Ana’s sadness. Kids change daycares and babysitters or even have changes to the person that picks them up from school. All these new routines can be an adjustment. But, talking it through with your child and reminding them that they can still visit, send a card, or have a playdate with someone they miss will help ease the transition.

Ana and Señora Mimí have a special relationship and that is shown in the illustrations including the matching sweaters knitted by Mimí and the hugs and snuggles when Ana is sad. The facial expressions are clear and show all the emotions Ana is feeling as she realizes the changes that will be happening soon.

This book includes some Spanish words among the English words. Even though the words aren’t explained the reader can infer what they mean in the story.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ana is so excited because her Abuela is coming to live with them. Ana currently goes to her caregiver, Senora Mimi in the mornings and after school and Ana is sure that her Abuela will not be rushing her off to school when she doesn't want to and will always let her do wonderful things.

At school as she excitedly tells her friends about her Abuela, Ana begins to also think about how much fun she has with Senora Mimi. She suddenly realizes what this new change really means and how much she will miss Senora Mimi. By the time school is done, Ana is so sad that not even buttered crackers help and she sits under the table with her blanket wrapped around her. Senora Mimi coaxes Ana out and tells her she is a little sad too but they will still be neighbors and can still do many fun things.

Meg Medina knows how kids think and does and outstanding job here of depicting a young child's hurtful enthusiasm to her caregiver and then her growing revelation as to what this change actually means and how much she loves her caregiver. Sensitive and authentic this is a lovely story about change and how it can be managed. It is also a wonderful tribute to caregivers everywhere!

Brittany Cicchese's digital illustration portray a fall scene and her palette uses warm soft tones of orange, gold and brown. Details in the illustration enhance the story.

This is terrific book for a story time and discussion starter as well as a perfect choice for parents helping a child with change.

[Stephanie Bange · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to use with kids who have change at home and makes one think about just what constitutes "family".

Ana is thrilled that her Abuela is coming to live with her mother and her. She joyfully tells her after school caregiver, Senora Mimi, that she will be staying with Abuela after school in the future. When one of her classmates remarks that she is lucky not to have Senora Mimi tell her what to do, Ana is stunned and begins to remember all the future wonderful memories she will miss making as a result. All is well when Ana realizes she can continue to see Senora Mimi whenever she wants.

Medina again weaves a realistic tale of children in distress that find solutions to their problems. A calm, quiet story, this one is meant for the reader to think about the implications of change. This one is perfect.

Digital illustrations by Brittany Cicchese are full of color, action, and love. Senora Mimi's and Ana's matching hand-crafted sweaters are part of the supporting cast. This could be set anywhere and still be relevant. Emotions are well-captured.

Counselors and therapists will find this to be a useful tool to use with clients dealing with this similar situation.

Highly Recommended for grades Pres-3.

[Bedashruti Mitra Basu · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes a village to raise a child. For many of us, support comes in the form of indispensable baby sitters. Meg Medina’s “𝗡𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝗲ñ𝗼𝗿𝗮 𝗠𝗶𝗺𝗶” shines the spotlight on babysitters’ roles in the lives of little ones.

Señora Mimi is a lady with a two-tooth baby and a no-tooth dog who lives right above our protagonist’s apartment. The little girl is dropped off by her Mami every day to Señora Mimi’s place.

One day, the little girl happily announces that her Abuela is coming over to stay with her forever and woohoo, they won’t need a babysitter ever again! As they walk over to school, readers get a glimpse of the love between Señora Mimi and the little girl. All through the day she remains ecstatic about her Abuela’s impending arrival as friends advise her how grandmas are way better than babysitters. On her way back from school however, her heart grows heavy as she lists out all that she will miss doing with Señora Mimi. What happens next? Do they part ways forever once Abuela arrives? Get hold of the book in September to find out! Just like Meg’s Evelyn Del Ray, this book will touch your heart!

[Richetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to my stop on the @hearourvoicestours book tour for No More Señora Mimí by Meg Medina!

This book was a sweet and touching story about being happy about beginnings and sad about endings. It is fitting that autumn is the season that this story is set. A season of transitions and emotions.

In the story the little girl, Ana, is excited that her abuela is coming to live with her and her mother. She won’t have to go to her babysitter Señora Mimí anymore because her abuela will be there to watch her. But she realizes later in the day that while she is excited for her abuela to come, she will also miss Señora Mimí.

Transitions like these happen all of the time for children. While adults may keep things moving and not think as much about these changes, they definitely affect children differently. This is a great book to read with kiddos whether they are facing a situation like Ana or are going from the babysitter to kindergarten or any similar type of situation. There is a great opportunity for young readers to create drawing about their feelings of sadness and celebration like Ana does with Señora Mimí in the book.

[Ashley Gulyas · Rating 4 out of 5]

No More Señora Mimí is the sweetest ode to babysitters and non-family caregivers who open their hearts and homes to our children.

Ana has some complaints about how her regular babysitter, her neighbor Señora Mimí, rushes her on her way to school, and she is so excited to have Abuela coming to live with her and Mami. But when she realizes that having Abuela there to care for her will mean she won’t be with Señora Mimí everyday, she becomes sad and realizes how much she will miss Señora Mimí. She and Señora Mimí talk through their sadness and Ana becomes excited at the prospect of introducing Abuela to Señora Mimí and spending time with them together.

It was beautiful to see Ana hold two truths at once - she could be excited about Abuela and sad about Señora Mimí at the same time. I think there are many children who have beautiful loving relationships with a babysitter or caregiver who will see themselves in this sweet book!

[AnaLuz Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book tells us a beautiful story about a girl who is both excited her abuela will come and live with her and her mom, and will help take care of her; and sad at the same time because she will no longer need her caregiver la Señora Mimí, who is their neighbor.
I love how it celebrates caregivers, and demonstrates how different people can care for children wether they are related or not; how important they can become to kids lives and play an important role in their lives. In the story Ana struggles with her feelings, and it shows it’s ok to miss her friend Señora Mimí, at the same time she’s happy to have her abuela come.

It was beautifully written and they illustrations were perfect in bringing the story to life. It was a heartwarming story, that depicts joy, love, and caring.

Thank you @hearourvoicestours and @Candlewick for this gifted book. All options are my own.

Read August 2024

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

If there's one thing author Meg Medina knows, it's relationships. In this picture book that is a tribute to caregivers who aren't related to those they care for, the protagonist, Ana, realizes just how important her babysitter, Senora Mimi, is to her. Ana is excited that her abuela is coming to stay with her family and will be able to take care of her and no longer necessitating a hired babysitter. But as Ana realizes that this means she won't see Senora Mimi anymore, she starts thinking about everything that she will miss. But Mimi realizes that Ana has conflicted emotions and promises that she will still be a part of her life--and maybe she and Abuela will become friends. The text is child-friendly, the emotions are authentic, and the digital artwork has a sentimental tone that fits the story perfectly. There will be plenty of youngsters who will recognize themselves and their own feelings about change and leaving someone to whom they are attached.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story.

Ana's upstairs neighbor takes her to school in the mornings and picks her up in the afternoons.
On this particular day, Ana is excited to tell everyone that her grandmother is coming to live with her so she won't need a babysitter anymore. It's not until a classmate spells it out - no more senora Mimi - that Ana realizes what grandma's arrival really means.
She's not quite sure how she's going to go on without senora Mimi and her toothless dog, Pancho, and even Mimi's baby, Nelson.

This one hits close to my heart both because I was the babysitter for several years and also because I remember the surprise of realizing that, sometimes, getting what you really want comes with an unexpected price.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagining "things" are going to be better than ever and then realizing that perhaps they have some hard parts, too, is part of growing up. Young Ana is so excited because her abuela is coming that night to live with them permanently. She thinks her dear abuela won't hurry her on the way to school and let her "stop and play" when she wishes, not like Señora Mimi does.
It's a growing-up thing to begin to see other perspectives, and Meg Medina's story poignantly shows this. Brittany Cicchese's illustrations fill the pages with beautiful autumn scenes of Ana and Señora Mimi's time together.
Thanks to Candlewick Press for my copy!

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book deftly demonstrates that it is possible to hold two conflicting emotions simultaneously. Ana's grandmother is coming to live with her and she is excited about it. Abuela will take care of her when mom is at work. Unfortunately that means Senora Mimi, a neighbor who normally cares for Ana after school, will no longer be doing so. Ana vows that she and her Abuela will visit Senora Mimi after school so they can all be friends. This book conveys a sense of security to children about transitions over which they have no control;. it works because Senora Mimi is a neighbor as well as Ana's babysitter.

[Ondiana DeFazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Its heartfelt exploration of change, love, and emotional growth through the eyes of a young girl named Ana. When Ana's beloved babysitter, Senora Mimi, must leave to make room for her abuela, she grapples with the feelings a sadness, confusion, and loyaty. Medinas narrative honors the often overlooked emotional bonds between children and caregivers outside the family. Brittneys warm illustrations deepen the motional impact, portraying Ana's inner world with gentle authenticity. The story ultimately reassures children that while change can be difficult, love can be expanded to include new people without forgetting the ones who came before.

[Lauren Perez Esper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet picture book spotlights the love and care between caregivers and young children. It also discusses the unique love shared between grandparents and grandchildren. I loved how Medina showed the young girl's full spectrum of emotions and understanding as she learns the pros and cons of her Abuela coming to live with her. The illustrations are warm and inviting and the message is important. I also loved the use of the two languages, English and Spanish. Check out the synopsis and add this one to your young book worm's library today!!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Transitions bring a gamut of emotions and Medina captures this. Ana is excited that her Abuela will be coming to live with them. She won't stay with Senora Mimi any longer as she won't need a babysitter. As she is sharing about her Abuela arriving that evening, she suddenly realizes she won't spend the time with Senora Mimi. Her sadness comes through clearly in the text and illustrations. Senora Mimi shares her own sadness and talks about ways they will still see each other. I love the final illustration - no words are needed.

[Emma Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book follows the main character with her change in caretaker when she is away from her mom. Her grandma is going to start watching her and the main character begins to realize how things are going to change. She mainly realizes that she is going to miss Señora Mimí! Since the book incorporates some Spanish vocabulary, this book could be used to discuss people who speak Spanish in or out of the classroom. This book could also be used to help a student process their emotions with changes to the people who take care of them.

[Judithcaryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Ana finds out that her “Best Grandmother in the World,” is moving in with her family she is ecstatic! As the day her grandmother moves in approaches, Ana realizes that she will no longer spend the morning and late afternoon with her neighbor Mimi while her mother works. This brings some excitement to the morning as she thinks about the way her grandmother will do things now.
The author takes us on a journey of change in a young child’s life and shows us grace in the form of her caretaker Senora Mimi.

Recommended for ages 5 to 8 by the SEPA Book Reviewers

[efrit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about the bonding between a babysitter and a toddler,whose grandma is coming to live with them, and so she won't be needing a babysitter anymore.she was really happy at first about her abuela living with them But then she realizes that she will miss senñora mimi very much. The story is super cute, and the illustrations are so beautiful,it's like each page, a painting.

I won this book on a Goodreads giveaway

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long ago I had a mom ask for a book to explain to her 2 year old why his au pair was leaving, and while this book wouldn't have helped him, changing care providers is a common childhood experience, and this well told story will ring familiar to many preschoolers. The digital art is attractive, but run of the mill, but there is a nice amount of sprinkle Spanish, and all in all it's a nce piece of work.

[June · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story, Ana is excited that her grandmother is coming to live with her and her mother. She won't have to go to her neighbor's before and after school any more. She makes a list of all the fun things she will do with her grandmother at school. A classmate tells her how lucky she will be not to have a bossy babysitter anymore. Ana realizes that she will miss Senora Mimi. Luckily Senora Mimi reminds Ana they are neighbors and she can still visit.

[Roben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ana's abuela is coming to live with her! She is very excited. Instead of Señora Mimí taking care of her before and after school, she will have abuela. But then she realizes how much she will miss her time with Señora Mimí. And her buttered crackers!

Together she and Señora Mimí come up with a plan to solve their sadness.

The book has lovely soft illustrations and conveys a simple, sweet story.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accurate depiction of the narrow awareness of childhood. Ana imagines all the AMAZING things that are going to happen when Abuela comes to live with them, but does not stop to think that these upcoming changes might mean she has to say goodbye to her much beloved babysitter. And once that realization hits, she struggles to find a way for this happy change to stay happy.

A book that highlights the importance of having a solid community network for our children.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story doesn’t seem to develop much of a relationship between Ana and her babysitter, who seems to treat the girl like an annoyance or an afterthought. No wonder the girl spends half the book saying good riddance to Senora Mimi until she realizes that Mimi spends more time with her than Mama. Will her abuela provide the attention the girl longs for? Warm and fuzzy illustrations portray the prickly emotional dilemma of a typical daycare kid.

[Celeste · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy!

The perfect book for your kids when a caregiver may change or be replaced. Heartwarming story about the relationships our kids form with their babysitters and the emotions they encounter when their routine changes.

Also a great depiction of the village that helps with our kids no matter how much or little and the impact it has on them.

[Sherriece Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very charming story about the bond between children and their caregivers. Ana is so happy to have her grandmother move in so she won’t need a babysitter anymore. But then she realizes just how much she’ll miss Señora Mimí. A great book to teach children about transitions and the importance of family and community. I also loved the vivid illustrations.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medina demonstrates her masterful storytelling once again. Ana is so excited that her abuela is coming to live with her that she almost doesn't realize that means that she won't need to be watched by her babysitter, Señora Mimí, any longer. Although Señora Mimí sometimes makes Ana rush and doesn't let her play on the way to school, Ana is sad and will miss her friend.