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May Your Life Be Deliciosa
A delicious and fortifying picture book inspired by the author’s family, featuring the Mexican tradition of holiday tamale-making
“What is the recipe?” I ask. Abuela laughs. “It is in my heart, Rosie. I use mis ojos, my eyes, to measure. Mis manos, my hands, to feel. Mi boca, my mouth, to taste. My abuela gave it to me, and I am giving it to you.” Each year on Christmas Eve, Rosie’s abuela, mamá, tía, sister, and cousins all gather together in Abuela’s kitchen to make tamales—cleaning corn husks, chopping onions and garlic, roasting chilis, kneading cornmeal dough, seasoning the filling, and folding it all—and tell stories. Rosie learns from her abuela not only how to make a delicious tamale, but how to make a delicious life, one filled with love, plenty of spice, and family.
“What is the recipe?” I ask. Abuela laughs. “It is in my heart, Rosie. I use mis ojos, my eyes, to measure. Mis manos, my hands, to feel. Mi boca, my mouth, to taste. My abuela gave it to me, and I am giving it to you.” Each year on Christmas Eve, Rosie’s abuela, mamá, tía, sister, and cousins all gather together in Abuela’s kitchen to make tamales—cleaning corn husks, chopping onions and garlic, roasting chilis, kneading cornmeal dough, seasoning the filling, and folding it all—and tell stories. Rosie learns from her abuela not only how to make a delicious tamale, but how to make a delicious life, one filled with love, plenty of spice, and family.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 2021
5 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Michael Genhart
19 books24 followersMichael Genhart is an award-winning author of several children's books, as well as a clinical psychologist. He lives with his family in Marin County, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 29, 2021
I received a review copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
I LOVED this book. I didn't realize that it technically is a holiday book as it is set during Christmas Eve. May Your Life Be Deliciosa is about a young girl and her family as they visit their abuela's house to make tamales. While the story may appear to be simplistic, it's so much more. While the main character watches her grandmother begin the process of making the meat filling, she inquires about the possibility of a recipe. Like in most families, it is clear that this is recipe that is not is written down but is simply passed down from generation to generation. As she builds the first tamale, the grandmother equivalates each part of the tamale to a wish that she has for her family. For example, as she adds the olive to the center of the tamale she wishes for her family to always have love and affection. It illustrates that this tradition is beyond making food, it's about storytelling and connections that are built amongst family members generation after generation. The artwork makes this more prominent as the tamale making is in full, deep, and rich colors which are then contrasted by black and white pictures that depict the past. There are a great amount of Spanish words and phrases that are laced within the body of the text which would be great for those looking for bilingual storytimes. This was such a surprise gem of a picture book and definitely worth reading over and over again.
I LOVED this book. I didn't realize that it technically is a holiday book as it is set during Christmas Eve. May Your Life Be Deliciosa is about a young girl and her family as they visit their abuela's house to make tamales. While the story may appear to be simplistic, it's so much more. While the main character watches her grandmother begin the process of making the meat filling, she inquires about the possibility of a recipe. Like in most families, it is clear that this is recipe that is not is written down but is simply passed down from generation to generation. As she builds the first tamale, the grandmother equivalates each part of the tamale to a wish that she has for her family. For example, as she adds the olive to the center of the tamale she wishes for her family to always have love and affection. It illustrates that this tradition is beyond making food, it's about storytelling and connections that are built amongst family members generation after generation. The artwork makes this more prominent as the tamale making is in full, deep, and rich colors which are then contrasted by black and white pictures that depict the past. There are a great amount of Spanish words and phrases that are laced within the body of the text which would be great for those looking for bilingual storytimes. This was such a surprise gem of a picture book and definitely worth reading over and over again.
November 30, 2021
May Your Life Be Deliciosa I loved this! I found it utterly heartwarming and read the last page with misty eyes and a smile. The message isn't new (that food, particularly preparing special foods together, unite families across generations) but the delivery worked beautifully for me. Though the cover shows grandmother and granddaughter, I appreciate that the story shows both men and women working together in the kitchen and sharing traditions and stories, and the book is written by the grandson of the real Abuela Rosie.
The illustrations shine. I love the way the illustrations blend the present-day family life along with Abulea's memories. The details are wonderful. The inclusion of Spanish words in the English text is nice, and my only quibble is that the cursive words were a bit hard to read for someone fairly unfamiliar with the Spanish language. The author's note is touching, too, as this is a true story. Though this may not resonate for other readers in quite the same way it did for me (I tend to love books like this), I do still highly recommend it to those looking for new Christmas picture books and/or books featuring Mexican traditions.
The illustrations shine. I love the way the illustrations blend the present-day family life along with Abulea's memories. The details are wonderful. The inclusion of Spanish words in the English text is nice, and my only quibble is that the cursive words were a bit hard to read for someone fairly unfamiliar with the Spanish language. The author's note is touching, too, as this is a true story. Though this may not resonate for other readers in quite the same way it did for me (I tend to love books like this), I do still highly recommend it to those looking for new Christmas picture books and/or books featuring Mexican traditions.
January 10, 2022
My kids loved this book. My daughter said this gave her Disney’s “Coco” vibes 🙂😍 and I love how there was Spanish incorporated into the book learning a little bit of Spanish. It’s about Abuela (grandma) showing her family how to make Tamales and bonding over food, teaching one generation to the next. This one was delicious! ❤️🔥
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December 16, 2021Okay, I am partial to Too Many Tamales and I've also just been personally victimized by having to literally make too many tamales in a single day, so this was never quite going to do this for me, but I do think it's charming in many ways. I love the art--it's very colorful and warm and inviting and wonderfully Mexican. I also really love that there's a little boy involved in what is often depicted as just the ladies (though for our dance fundraisers, the guys all had to mash down the manteca straight outta the blue boxes, but then they were done for the day and the rest of us had to do ALL THE REST OF THE WORK; I couldn't eat tamales for ten years after one folklorico fundraiser, I stg).
I appreciate that this very nicely describes a common family tradition without making it some kind of cultural excursion so non-Mexican families can peek in like they're reading National Geographic. It's just a family doing a thing, and you're welcome to peek in.
That said, I just really don't like books that have this sort of forced Spanish that's not Spanglish, and every time there was a nice soothing lilt to the text, it was interrupted by that obnoxious insta-translate quality. I know this is not a novel, where that sort of thing is rarely excusable, but there are some places where constructions like "You start with una hoja, a corn husk" made me roll my eyes. You want outsiders to know what you were saying? Put a glossary at the end and let context clues guide readers; don't insta-translate.
I appreciate that this very nicely describes a common family tradition without making it some kind of cultural excursion so non-Mexican families can peek in like they're reading National Geographic. It's just a family doing a thing, and you're welcome to peek in.
That said, I just really don't like books that have this sort of forced Spanish that's not Spanglish, and every time there was a nice soothing lilt to the text, it was interrupted by that obnoxious insta-translate quality. I know this is not a novel, where that sort of thing is rarely excusable, but there are some places where constructions like "You start with una hoja, a corn husk" made me roll my eyes. You want outsiders to know what you were saying? Put a glossary at the end and let context clues guide readers; don't insta-translate.
March 6, 2022
My sister-in-law makes the most amazing bread...not only does it taste delicious but it comes with a fascinating story and history. This book celebrates the power of food and tradition and what it can teach us about ourselves. A beautiful story from the author's own life growing up in Mexico.
May 20, 2021
*I read a digital ARC of this title from the publisher.
February 10, 2022
Family Christmas Eve tamale making where the grandmother explains how to make and each step is a blessing. Lots of color in the illustrations. Delightful!
March 27, 2022
Loved this! We follow a Mexican family who gathers at their abuela's house to make tamales for Christmas!
December 30, 2022
Lyrically written. Gorgeously illustrated. The parallel structure in the text and art is masterful. I adore this book!
July 26, 2025
The illustrations for this book are so vibrant and gorgeous. And I loved the message of the story about family.
March 30, 2022
An excellent companion title to the classic Too Many Tamales.
February 8, 2023
Part recipe book, part celebration of family, this little picture book contains such beauty.
Who knew that a simple tamale could contain so many blessings?
Learn from this book about a lovely family tradition. And maybe much more.
Who knew that a simple tamale could contain so many blessings?
Learn from this book about a lovely family tradition. And maybe much more.
May 15, 2022
A beautiful story about a family who doesn't need recipes to appreciate good food, and truly appreciate each other.
September 11, 2023
As the whole extended family gets together to make tamales for Christmas, Abuela tells stories to help her granddaughter remember how to make the tamales but also to grow bonds as a family.
A sweet family tradition for Christmas that values both recipes and stories passed down from one generation to the next. The illustrations help tell another story of the girl learning and passing things down to her children eventually. Read this with Too Many Tamales which also features tamale making as at Christmas with family.
A sweet family tradition for Christmas that values both recipes and stories passed down from one generation to the next. The illustrations help tell another story of the girl learning and passing things down to her children eventually. Read this with Too Many Tamales which also features tamale making as at Christmas with family.
December 17, 2025
A holiday tradition in many Latin American families, as well as in Texas and across the American Southwest, is the tamale making party. Tamales are generally made with cornmeal dough filled with a variety of savory ingredients like beans, cheese, pork, seasoned meats, or vegetables, and then wrapped and steamed in corn husks. (Each region in Latin America has variations on tamales.)
Tamales were valued by the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas: appreciated for their versatility, and offered to the gods to symbolize gratitude and abundance. They still play a central role in holidays and celebrations among Latin Americans. As a Houston Food Bank blog post on tamales notes:
“Tamales are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. Making tamales is often a family affair, where multiple generations come together to prepare and assemble them. This tradition, known as a ‘tamalada,’ is a time of bonding, storytelling, and passing down recipes. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about community.”
The author was inspired by his own childhood memories of helping the women in his family prepare tamales every Christmas Eve, as both an observer and a participant. He especially treasured the stories his Abuela told at that time, teaching Michael not only his family history, but about the importance of an oral history passed on through the generations.
He shares his memories through a little girl named Rosie, who narrates this heartwarming story.
Some of the words are in Spanish, but they are always translated or used in a way making their meaning obvious to readers. Rosie says:
“My favorite part is when Abuela tells us how to make a tamale.
We already know how. We do it every year.
It’s Abuela’s stories we love to hear again and again.”
As Rosie’s grandmother reviews how to make tamales, she uses each step to impart an analogous message about how to make a rewarding life. For example, Abuela explains that “You start with una hoja, a corn husk. The warm water has made it softer and easier to work with.” She adds, “Rosie, mi nieta [granddaughter], may you always be flexible.” As she fills and folds the tamale, she says to Rosie, “May you have lots and lots of hugs.” The tamales are placed in a large pot, one leaning upon the other. Abuela smiles and says, “May you always have the support of family and community.”
Most of the tamale making is on the left side of the double spread pages, while on the right the sentiment Abuela hopes for is shown in a cultural context.
When the tamales are finally ready to eat, Abuela sings “May your life be delicious!”
The vibrant and inviting illustrations by Loris Lora were inspired, she tells us in a note, “by the rich tamale-making traditions of my Mexican family and the many generations before us.�� She recalls how “friends and family, both young and old, gathered to prepare tamales together.”
Discussion: This wonderful tradition is still celebrated in Tucson, where we lived for years, with many families sharing the fruits of their (very intensive) labors with others in the community. Southern Arizona residents observe other Mexican Christmas traditions as well, such as lighting luminaria (or farolitos), typically made from brown paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle. All of these customs add greatly to the awareness of how our lives are enriched by the contributions of different cultures.
Evaluation: This positive view of immigrant families comes at a much needed time. The story reflects a strong family network of love and support and shows how life-long memories can be made from the bonding and storytelling that characterize family projects at holiday time.
Tamales were valued by the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs, Mayans, and Incas: appreciated for their versatility, and offered to the gods to symbolize gratitude and abundance. They still play a central role in holidays and celebrations among Latin Americans. As a Houston Food Bank blog post on tamales notes:
“Tamales are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. Making tamales is often a family affair, where multiple generations come together to prepare and assemble them. This tradition, known as a ‘tamalada,’ is a time of bonding, storytelling, and passing down recipes. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about community.”
The author was inspired by his own childhood memories of helping the women in his family prepare tamales every Christmas Eve, as both an observer and a participant. He especially treasured the stories his Abuela told at that time, teaching Michael not only his family history, but about the importance of an oral history passed on through the generations.
He shares his memories through a little girl named Rosie, who narrates this heartwarming story.
Some of the words are in Spanish, but they are always translated or used in a way making their meaning obvious to readers. Rosie says:
“My favorite part is when Abuela tells us how to make a tamale.
We already know how. We do it every year.
It’s Abuela’s stories we love to hear again and again.”
As Rosie’s grandmother reviews how to make tamales, she uses each step to impart an analogous message about how to make a rewarding life. For example, Abuela explains that “You start with una hoja, a corn husk. The warm water has made it softer and easier to work with.” She adds, “Rosie, mi nieta [granddaughter], may you always be flexible.” As she fills and folds the tamale, she says to Rosie, “May you have lots and lots of hugs.” The tamales are placed in a large pot, one leaning upon the other. Abuela smiles and says, “May you always have the support of family and community.”
Most of the tamale making is on the left side of the double spread pages, while on the right the sentiment Abuela hopes for is shown in a cultural context.
When the tamales are finally ready to eat, Abuela sings “May your life be delicious!”
The vibrant and inviting illustrations by Loris Lora were inspired, she tells us in a note, “by the rich tamale-making traditions of my Mexican family and the many generations before us.�� She recalls how “friends and family, both young and old, gathered to prepare tamales together.”
Discussion: This wonderful tradition is still celebrated in Tucson, where we lived for years, with many families sharing the fruits of their (very intensive) labors with others in the community. Southern Arizona residents observe other Mexican Christmas traditions as well, such as lighting luminaria (or farolitos), typically made from brown paper bags weighted down with sand and illuminated from within by a lit candle. All of these customs add greatly to the awareness of how our lives are enriched by the contributions of different cultures.
Evaluation: This positive view of immigrant families comes at a much needed time. The story reflects a strong family network of love and support and shows how life-long memories can be made from the bonding and storytelling that characterize family projects at holiday time.
October 26, 2021
Rosie’s family gathers every Christmas Eve to make tamales with her Abuela. She and her sister soak and clean the corn husks, her cousins chop onions and garlic, her aunt roasts the chiles, her mother prepares the masa dough, and her Abuela cooks the meat filling. The recipe with its secret seasonings isn’t written down anywhere, but her grandmother shares it with everyone in the family. Every year her grandmother shares a story about making the tamales. It wishes everyone that they are flexible, secure, proud, satisfied, loved and supported by family. Now the time has come to make dozens and dozens of tamales together with no recipe, just using your senses. Soon they get to practice patience as good smells fill the house. Finally it is time to eat!
Told with a deep sense of family and generational wisdom, this picture book celebrates time spent around the holidays together. Centered around the grandmother, this book gives her space to share not only her recipe but also her insights into what is important in life. The stories are shared as she creates the first tamale, tying them closely to what she is making with the protective layer, the olive at the heart, the corn, and more. It’s no surprise when you reach the Author’s Note that this is based on his own experiences in his Abuela’s kitchen growing up.
Lora’s illustrations show a multi-generational family and are inspired by her own Mexican family. Using bright yellows, warm oranges, and rich browns, she creates scenes where you can almost smell the spices. The stories are done in a mix of color and black and white, framing them as their own special time.
Full of love, food and warmth. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
Told with a deep sense of family and generational wisdom, this picture book celebrates time spent around the holidays together. Centered around the grandmother, this book gives her space to share not only her recipe but also her insights into what is important in life. The stories are shared as she creates the first tamale, tying them closely to what she is making with the protective layer, the olive at the heart, the corn, and more. It’s no surprise when you reach the Author’s Note that this is based on his own experiences in his Abuela’s kitchen growing up.
Lora’s illustrations show a multi-generational family and are inspired by her own Mexican family. Using bright yellows, warm oranges, and rich browns, she creates scenes where you can almost smell the spices. The stories are done in a mix of color and black and white, framing them as their own special time.
Full of love, food and warmth. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
September 19, 2023
"May Your Life Be Deliciosa" is a heartwarming story about a family that gathers every Christmas to celebrate together and make tamales. The grandma, the wise matriarch of the family, extends warm invitations to all the family members to continue this cherished tradition and to foster strong bonds among them. When the family comes together, they share not only in the joy of the season but also in their shared love for music, dance, and heartfelt conversations. However, what makes their Christmas gatherings truly special is the grandma's tradition of teaching them how to make tamales, step by step. To her, this process holds deep symbolic meaning. Each step in tamale-making becomes a metaphor for life itself. The masa (dough) represents health, reminding the family to take care of their bodies. The filling symbolizes love, emphasizing the importance of nurturing and sharing love with one another. Finally, the wrapping of the tamale reflects setting and achieving goals in life, reminding them to have dreams and work towards them. "May Your Life Be Deliciosa" beautifully illustrates how the simple act of making tamales becomes a profound lesson in living a fulfilling and meaningful life, enriched by the bonds of family, tradition, and the love that they share. It's a reminder that family gatherings and traditions are not just about food and fun but also about passing down wisdom and values from one generation to the next.
March 31, 2022
Picture book. This sweet book is reminiscent of the classic Too Many Tamales due to its focus on an extended family making tamales together. But this story focuses more on the generations bonding over shared stories and traditions. Rosie wants to know the tamale filling recipe, but of course her grandmother has it in her head. As abuela demonstrates the steps, she calls out blessings to the family:
She places the tamale in a large pot, one leaning upon the other.
"May you always have the support of family and community."
familia y communidad
The blessings are recited in English and a Spanish translation of the key words appears afterwards. This is not a completely bilingual text but does have Spanish words sprinkled throughout, including vocabulary for some body parts, family members, and words of affection. The warmth and love of the family shines through not only in the story itself but also in the notes from the author and illustrator.
She places the tamale in a large pot, one leaning upon the other.
"May you always have the support of family and community."
familia y communidad
The blessings are recited in English and a Spanish translation of the key words appears afterwards. This is not a completely bilingual text but does have Spanish words sprinkled throughout, including vocabulary for some body parts, family members, and words of affection. The warmth and love of the family shines through not only in the story itself but also in the notes from the author and illustrator.
February 7, 2022
2022 ALA Pura Belpré Illustration Honor book
Author Michael. Illustrations by Loris Lora.
Every Christmas Eve, Rosie, her mamá, tiá, sister and the cousins all gather in Abuela Pina’s kitchen to make tamales, share the music, dancing, storytelling. It’s a lot of work, and everyone has a job to do: soaking and cleaning corn husks, chopping onions and garlic, roasting chiles, making the corn masa dough, cooking the meat filling and adding it’s secret fillings passed down through the generations-a recipe in the heart, eyes, hands and taste. All told in the cuéntanos, with the ingredients bilinually representing important characteristics: flexibility, protection and security, stand tall and proud, have food to eat and spice to make it special, an olive to represent the presence of love and affection, and lots and lots of hugs, the support of family and community, and patience with yourself and others. Passed down from your Abuela with love.
What a joyous celebration of family, traditions and customs, heritage and culture. Family, food and togetherness.
Author Michael. Illustrations by Loris Lora.
Every Christmas Eve, Rosie, her mamá, tiá, sister and the cousins all gather in Abuela Pina’s kitchen to make tamales, share the music, dancing, storytelling. It’s a lot of work, and everyone has a job to do: soaking and cleaning corn husks, chopping onions and garlic, roasting chiles, making the corn masa dough, cooking the meat filling and adding it’s secret fillings passed down through the generations-a recipe in the heart, eyes, hands and taste. All told in the cuéntanos, with the ingredients bilinually representing important characteristics: flexibility, protection and security, stand tall and proud, have food to eat and spice to make it special, an olive to represent the presence of love and affection, and lots and lots of hugs, the support of family and community, and patience with yourself and others. Passed down from your Abuela with love.
What a joyous celebration of family, traditions and customs, heritage and culture. Family, food and togetherness.
March 30, 2022
An abuelita passes down the recipe for tamales along with blessings for her family as they all gather to prepare Christmas Eve's feast, highlighting the importance of oral tradition.
Beautiful artwork blurs the line between the present and the stories shared as it blends the kitchen scenes with imagery from Abuelita's proud and happy memories. Likewise, the language is peppered with Spanish, but not too much that it wouldn't be understandable for only-English-speakers.
My nitpicky criticism is that the book keeps using the term 'tamale' for the singular form when it should be 'tamal'. The 'e' at the end is a common mistake that I've noticed with English-speakers, but phonetically, it just doesn't make sense in Spanish, and since this is narrated by someone in a Spanish-centered setting, who also uses other Spanish words, it comes off a little jarring. I'm a little saddened by the thought of kids growing up in Spanish-speaking homes incorporating this innocent mistake in their language.
Beautiful artwork blurs the line between the present and the stories shared as it blends the kitchen scenes with imagery from Abuelita's proud and happy memories. Likewise, the language is peppered with Spanish, but not too much that it wouldn't be understandable for only-English-speakers.
My nitpicky criticism is that the book keeps using the term 'tamale' for the singular form when it should be 'tamal'. The 'e' at the end is a common mistake that I've noticed with English-speakers, but phonetically, it just doesn't make sense in Spanish, and since this is narrated by someone in a Spanish-centered setting, who also uses other Spanish words, it comes off a little jarring. I'm a little saddened by the thought of kids growing up in Spanish-speaking homes incorporating this innocent mistake in their language.
January 26, 2023
This book begins with a family traveling to the abuela’s home to make tamales – it is an authentic representation of culture, but does still center around food culture. Bits and pieces of the Spanish language further add detail and depth to the story. The true culture and knowledge is passed down when the abuela talks about making tamales. An absolutely gorgeously illustrated example of the cultural significance food has, and the history of the tamale and its ‘hidden’ meanings for Mexican/Latinx communities.
The book opens with a family going to the abuela’s home to make tamales (realistic, but also focuses on food). However, this is so artfully done that the culture is not being represented as “they eat tamales” but rather explores the cultural significance of the tamale. It uses oral tradition to weave historical information into the story. The Spanish language combined with English creates an immersive experience. Truly lovely illustrations. Definitely a book highly recommended for exploring culture in the classroom.
The book opens with a family going to the abuela’s home to make tamales (realistic, but also focuses on food). However, this is so artfully done that the culture is not being represented as “they eat tamales” but rather explores the cultural significance of the tamale. It uses oral tradition to weave historical information into the story. The Spanish language combined with English creates an immersive experience. Truly lovely illustrations. Definitely a book highly recommended for exploring culture in the classroom.
February 9, 2022
A young girl's family has gathered on Christmas Eve at Abuela's house to make tamales together. When she asks Abuela for the recipe, her grandmother tells her she'll give it to her just as her abuela gave it to her by cooking it together. As they cook, Abuela tells them her stories which are more like blessings that parallel each ingredient and step of the cooking process.
This was such a beautiful story of a family cooking together, passing down not only recipes, but stories, tradition, and culture down from generation to generation. I'd look at a tamale different now, as this book gave each part of it so much meaning. I enjoyed the illustrations because they gave such a warmth and also clearly illustrated the deaper significance that Abuela gave each ingredient.
This was such a beautiful story of a family cooking together, passing down not only recipes, but stories, tradition, and culture down from generation to generation. I'd look at a tamale different now, as this book gave each part of it so much meaning. I enjoyed the illustrations because they gave such a warmth and also clearly illustrated the deaper significance that Abuela gave each ingredient.
March 4, 2022
Do you have family traditions? In this book, the author talks about making tamales on Christmas Eve with his family. Everyone is involved - I was so happy to see the boys in the kitchen chopping onions. Everyone has a job - and each job is important. Their abuelita explains each step of making the tamale and what each one represents. Hugs as the tamale is folded and patience as everyone waits for the tamales to steam, for example. I enjoyed the notes from the author and illustrator at the end of the book as they related the importance of cooking together as a family and the stories and recipes that were shared and passed down from generation to generation.
This was a 2022 Pura Belpré Award Illustrator Honor Book.
This was a 2022 Pura Belpré Award Illustrator Honor Book.
October 4, 2023
Copyright date: 2021
Star rating: 5
Award: Pura Belpre
Genre: Children's lit
Summary w/ themes: This book is about the history of a hispanic family that makes tamales every Christmas Eve. As the grandmother is making them along with the family, she puts blessings into each and every one of them. This book has themes of traditions, family, and hispanic heritage.
Use for future classroom: This could be a fun book to read when talking about traditions, hispanic heritage month or for Christmas.
Thoughts of book: I enjoyed this book. The story was gorgeous and the illustrations were very rich. I liked the author and the illustrator's connection to the story, and thought that it adds more value to the plot.
Star rating: 5
Award: Pura Belpre
Genre: Children's lit
Summary w/ themes: This book is about the history of a hispanic family that makes tamales every Christmas Eve. As the grandmother is making them along with the family, she puts blessings into each and every one of them. This book has themes of traditions, family, and hispanic heritage.
Use for future classroom: This could be a fun book to read when talking about traditions, hispanic heritage month or for Christmas.
Thoughts of book: I enjoyed this book. The story was gorgeous and the illustrations were very rich. I liked the author and the illustrator's connection to the story, and thought that it adds more value to the plot.
February 5, 2022
As the family gathers on Christmas Eve to make tamales, the grandmother describes her wishes for her loved ones. Each wish is symbolized in an ingredient of the tamales, or in the procedure for assembling them. For example, she soaks the corn husks to soften them, and wishes her family members will be flexible.
Tie-in with Grandparents' Day,
learning about holiday traditions.
Compare with Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto.
With accessible text and bright illustrations, this picture book is appropriate for all elementary grades. Some Spanish words are included in the story, but knowledge of Spanish is not necessary to enjoy the book.
Tie-in with Grandparents' Day,
learning about holiday traditions.
Compare with Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto.
With accessible text and bright illustrations, this picture book is appropriate for all elementary grades. Some Spanish words are included in the story, but knowledge of Spanish is not necessary to enjoy the book.
February 7, 2022
Every Christmas Eve, Rosie and her family visit their Abuela and make tamales with her in their kitchen. Everyone has a job preparing them, but before they put them together, Abuela has a story to tell, a story which makes each part of the tamale a wish for her family.
Yes, it's Christmas Eve, but don't leave this with the holiday books - it's about story telling, and family, and culture and making food. As Abuela started telling her story I started to tear up. Beautifully told, sweetly illustrated - I want to start such a tradition with my grandchildren. Learn the stories from your grandparents so you can tell them to your children.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
Yes, it's Christmas Eve, but don't leave this with the holiday books - it's about story telling, and family, and culture and making food. As Abuela started telling her story I started to tear up. Beautifully told, sweetly illustrated - I want to start such a tradition with my grandchildren. Learn the stories from your grandparents so you can tell them to your children.
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
April 21, 2022
And just like that, I'm hungry.
This is a picture book about family and cooking. The family is preparing tamales, and it's a dish without a recipe, because you know how to make it because you've been taught how to make it.
Things I liked: how it's in both Spanish and English. How the different parts of cooking the tamales represent things about family. An olive put in the heart of a tamale? Is about having love and affection in your life.
This is based on the author's own memories of making tamales for Christmas.
A great book to use for programs about food, family, and holidays.
Pura Belpre Illustration Honor
This is a picture book about family and cooking. The family is preparing tamales, and it's a dish without a recipe, because you know how to make it because you've been taught how to make it.
Things I liked: how it's in both Spanish and English. How the different parts of cooking the tamales represent things about family. An olive put in the heart of a tamale? Is about having love and affection in your life.
This is based on the author's own memories of making tamales for Christmas.
A great book to use for programs about food, family, and holidays.
Pura Belpre Illustration Honor
February 22, 2023
A vibrant and heartwarming picture book about family and holiday traditions. Every Christmas Eve, Rosie's family makes tamales together and every year her abuela shares the story of how to make not only a delicious tamale but a delicious life. Each step of building the tamale is symbolic of things to remember in both life and cooking, culminating in a feast and celebration of family. This book incorporates Spanish words throughout the text that blend with the illustrations seamlessly. A wonderful book to not only learn about other traditions and cultures but to start a discussion about your own family traditions. For Grades K-3.
- Reviewed by Chelsea G.
- Reviewed by Chelsea G.
October 1, 2023
MAY YOUR LIFE BE DELICIOSA is full of soul-warming truths! With vibrant and colorful scenes with heartfelt flashbacks of family pasttimes, MAY YOUR LIFE BE DELICIOSA excels in its superb language immersion with clear context, layered callbacks full of heart and familial care, and tamale-making steps cleverly incorporated into the storyline. This story is packed with so much meaning and love: homemade tamale traditions, family togetherness and cultural celebration, what matters most in life, legacy and love passed down through generations, and the power of storytelling to bring families even closer together. Highly recommended!
January 18, 2024
This book shares a family’s tradition of making tamales together on Christmas Eve. As we watch various family members prepare the ingredients, the narrator’s abuela (grandmother) expresses many well wishes to her family. These wishes are often shared through comparisons to the ingredients and preparations being made. As we watch the illustrations, both of the past and the present, we are transported into this home and family. I loved watching another holiday tradition and seeing intergenerational cooking and culture being passed on. This book is a great opportunity to discuss family traditions or even com up with new ones. I would recommend this book for the home or the classroom.
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