Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Three Pockets Full: A story of love, family, and tradition

Rate this book

Beto won't wear a guayabera to the wedding. Nope! Nunca! Not going to happen! Beto tries his best to rid himself of the traditional Mexican wedding shirt his Mami gave him. He even gets help from his dog Lupe, but the shirt ends up back on his bed each time with notes from Mami, who becomes increasingly frustrated with Beto. Mami insists that Beto attend the wedding, and wear the shirt, because--after all--it's her wedding! Beto has to accept the fact that Mami is getting remarried ♥ and that she wants him to wear the shirt, which is part of his heritage.

The best book for exploring family, change and new experiences.

Three Pockets Full by Cindy Rodriguz carries key concepts of family, love and tradition. This book goes along well with other books on change and the emotions that can come with it. Like the work of Todd Parr (The Family Book) and Patrice Karst (The Invisible String).

This book comes with a free Reader's Guide for children. The guide is available for free download from the publisher website. Lesson plans, activities and discussion questions to allow parents, teachers and caregivers to explore the topic further and deepen comprehension.

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 2022

1535 people want to read

About the author

Cindy L. Rodriguez

9 books120 followers
Hi! I’m Cindy L. Rodriguez. My books are: WHEN REASON BREAKS (2015), VOLLEYBALL ACE (2020), DRILL TEAM DETERMINATION (2021), GYMNASTICS PAYBACK (2021), THE DOOMED SEARCH FOR THE LOST CITY OF Z (2021), THE MOUNT EVEREST DISASTER OF 1996 (2022) and THREE POCKETS FULL: A STORY OF LOVE, FAMILY, AND TRADITION (2022). I also have an essay in LIFE INSIDE MY MIND: 31 AUTHORS SHARE THEIR PERSONAL STRUGGLES (2018), and I have contributed to DOLL HOSPITAL #2. Coming in 2024 is LOLA REYES IS SO NOT WORRIED. I work for an educational publisher and live in CT with my husband, daughter, and two dogs.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
86 (62%)
4 stars
39 (28%)
3 stars
11 (8%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
Profile Image for Rosh.
2,401 reviews5,030 followers
June 19, 2022
A sweet and funny story about a boy who goes “Nope! Nunca!” at the thought of wearing a guayabera.

Beto simply doesn't want to wear the guayabera – a Mexican wedding shirt - for an upcoming family wedding as he doesn't consider it a “cool” shirt. He makes various plans to show his mom how the shirt is unsuitable, but she keeps thwarting his attempts cleverly. However, looking through some old family pictures make Beto realise that the shirt isn’t so uncool after all.

The initial half of the story is quite funny. Beto’s attempts to avoid wearing the guayabera are hilarious, with his pet dog being a happy participant in his escape plans. However, the latter half of the story changes track into an emotional representation of family values. I loved both halves equally. The story develops through various letters/notes that Beto and his mom leave for each other. These add a different touch to the experience.

The author's note at the end about the history of the guayabera is wonderful to read.

The illustrations are amazing. The characters are drawn cutely and the overall presentation is very bright and colourful, perfect for a children’s book.

Much recommended if you want a light and entertaining read for your children that focusses on heritage, family and willingness to change. Plus, it is a diverse #OwnVoices book, an additional plus point.

Suitable for ages 4-8. This book comes with a free Reader's Guide for children. The guide is available for free download from the publisher website.

4.25 stars.

My thanks to Cardinal Rule Press and NetGalley for the DRC of “Three Pockets Full”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.



***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Profile Image for Nursebookie.
2,890 reviews456 followers
September 8, 2022
TITLE: THREE POCKETS FULL
AUTHOR: Cindy Rodriguez
ILLUSTRATED: Begona Fernandez Corbalan
PUB DATE: 09.01.2022
SYNOPSIS: Swipe above

I loved this wonderfully illustrated book that is as heart warming as it is heart filling, with a beautiful lesson for anyone going through change. The story was enveloped in love and family, and teaches a lesson in the most immersive and compassionate way.
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,151 reviews174 followers
August 4, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Three Pockets Full is a truly beautiful and heartfelt story about Beto who is adamant he won't wear his guayabera (a Mexican wedding shirt) to his mother's wedding. Beto doesn't want to wear the traditional shirt, he wants to wear a tuxedo. He tries all ways to hide it and get out of wearing it but then he comes across some old photographs he hasn't seen before, of his mother and father and he realises the importance of wearing this shirt to his mother's wedding. This book is such a wonderful blend of humour and emotions and will definitely tug at your heart-strings. The family dog was so funny being roped into Betos escape plans of not wearing the shirt. I enjoyed learning more about the history of the guayabera at the back of the book too! This is a truly well written and presented book for children with lots of fun inside, but also sensitive and tender too. The illustrations are humorous and engaging, and I highly recommend this book for all children, especially as a discussion about family and cultural traditions.
Profile Image for Ancillar.
670 reviews59 followers
June 23, 2022
I received a complimentary copy from Cardinal Rule Press and NetGalley and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Three Pocket Full tells the story of the mischievous occasionally but adorable Beto. Beto's mother wants him to wear a traditional 4 pocket guayabera wedding shirt. He does everything to get out of wearing this shirt including involving his beloved pug. He really doesn’t want to wear the shirt because his mother is marrying someone else that isn't his father.. I enjoyed this beautiful illustrated copy and genuinely believe it will make parents and children alike laugh.
Profile Image for Padma Venkatraman.
Author 22 books572 followers
Read
May 30, 2022
Cindy Rodriguez is an author whose debut novel (WHEN REASON BREAKS) blew me away - if you haven't read it, please add it to your shelves. When Reason Breaks targeted a young adult audience; in this, her first picture book, she tackles a very young audience; but once again, her talent shines through. This is a story with a small mystery and a big heart, about the small steps we might take to confront big emotional hurdles, and, above all, about the strength that love gives us when we act out of our love for others. Beto's journey ties together many disparate themes: embracing change, being proud of our cultural traditions, and having the courage to confront the morass of feeling that familial connections might evoke within even the youngest readers.
Profile Image for Federico Erebia.
Author 7 books151 followers
May 30, 2022
This is a terrific book. The story is sweet and well-written. It has a bit of a surprise ending. The illustrations are beautiful. I also loved the Author's Note, and other information about the Guayabera.
Profile Image for Jackie.
4,513 reviews46 followers
June 28, 2022
Nope!

Nunca!

Not Going to Happen!

Beto is not pleased that his mother is remarrying. He is not going to wear the traditional Mexican wedding shirt. He doesn’t even want to go to the wedding.

When Beto and his Mami have a tender moment remembering his dad, he realizes that he will always be part of him. But life moves forward and he wants his Mami to be happy.

Three Pockets Full: A Story of Love, Family, and Traditions Is beautifully illustrated and drives home the idea that although life is sad sometimes, we have memories and we need to find a way to bring joy back. I love that this picture book teaches me something new about the Mexican traditions.

Be sure to read the Author’s Note: it’s not certain where the Mexican wedding tradition came to be. It could have come from Cuba, Mexico, Thailand, or the Philippines!

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Maria Dismondy, Cardinal Rule Press, and Cindy L. Rodriguez for this ARC.
Profile Image for Tina Hoggatt.
1,441 reviews10 followers
May 2, 2022
The story of Beto, who does not want to wear the traditional guayabera shirt to the wedding - which we discover is his mother's remarriage. Beto is creative and funny in his attempts to get out of wearing the shirt but Mom is firm. It's only when he discovers photographs of family members wearing a guayabera that we learn of his father's death, that he likes his step-father-to-be, David, and that there is more to Beto's avoiding the shirt than fashion sense. His embrace of the traditional shirt comes as he reconciles past loss and loving present. Lots to unpack in this little story, including the history of the guayabera. Lively illustrations by Begoña Fernández Corbalan.

The publisher provided an advanced copy for my review.
Profile Image for Charlotte Offsay.
Author 9 books122 followers
June 14, 2022
Beto's mother is getting remarried and she wants him to wear the traditional Mexican wedding shirt, a guayabera, and Beto is less than thrilled. He tries to refuse but comes to find that he needs to accept the shirt which is a part of his family tradition along with his feelings about his changing family dynamic. A heartwarming story of family and tradition that many will relate to. I particularly enjoyed the author's note detailing the history of the guayabera which I was unfamiliar with before reading this book. I love learning about other cultures through picture books and how they can teach not only our kiddos but us as well!
Profile Image for Valerie Bolling.
Author 15 books62 followers
May 10, 2022
What a wonderful book! It’s funny as well as heartfelt. Beto doesn’t want to wear a guayabera to his mom and stepdad’s wedding and tries different tactics to convince his mother that he won’t wear it. The refrain of “Nope! Nunca!” works so well to underscore how resolute Beto is about not wearing this type of shirt. But when he finds out the significance of guayaberas to his family history, he has a renewed reaction.
Profile Image for Christine Zandt.
Author 10 books49 followers
May 17, 2022
A boy named Beto does NOT want to wear the traditional Mexican wedding shirt to an upcoming wedding. He and his Mami go back and forth over the why (and why not) he should wear it. The funny text is told partially through notes--sometimes using the dog, Lupe!

While there is heart and humor, we come to find that Beto's reluctance stems from more than just wanting to make a fashion statement. An ideal book for families overcoming loss and moving forward with a new stepparent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Candace Spizzirri.
Author 3 books44 followers
May 24, 2022
What a clever, heartwarming debut by author Cindy Rodriguez with lively, colorful illustrations! Beto’s Mami is remarrying and wants Beto to wear a guayabera, the traditional Mexican shirt, to the big event. He refuses and tries to get rid of it in humorous ways, but it keeps ending up back on his bed. He even enlists the help of his dog, Lupe. Beto must come to terms with the fact that Mami is getting remarried in this delightful story about family and love.
Profile Image for Catherine L..
Author 1 book
May 3, 2022
a wonderful debut picture book, covers the issue of remarriage for a child, which is all too common nowadays. i wanted to read the book because im a pocket girl, now i really want one of these shirts!
15 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2023
As a first grade teacher, I am always on the lookout for new books to add to our read-aloud favorites. I am looking forward to sharing this one! It is a beautifully written story of family and tradition that children can identify with and respond to. It’s also a story of loss and acceptance in that a young boy is learning to accept that his mother will remarry after the passing of his own father. Readers will learn of the traditional guayabera, also know as a Mexican wedding shirt, and Cuba’s official dress garment for men. Gorgeously illustrated, it comes with discussion questions and lesson ideas. This book is brought to you by the publishers of Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, another read-aloud favorite of mine.#readyourworld
1 review
June 21, 2022
Three Pockets Full rightly describes itself as a story of love, family, and tradition. It adequately captures the emotional intelligence children develop as they learn to take in and deal with difficult situations. Initially, it may be a grueling process to contend with as Beto epitomizes stubbornness at the thought of wearing a guayabera to his mother’s wedding, but it is not without diving into philosophical concepts. The positive side of the human condition eventually wins out as is exemplified when Beto realizes his mother’s happiness is more important to him than his pride. In the end, Beto finally comes to terms with his mother marrying someone who is not his father and the guayabera acts as the unifying link. This was my favorite part of the book since it demonstrated major character growth of gaining mental independence and sympathizing with others that cannot always be taught via reward or punishment, but learned through a developing mind’s human experience which is sincerely captured in this story.

Also, just as Beto exhibits growth, Three Pockets Full clearly encourages an engagement between its intended audience, their parents, and educational leaders. Not only does the art playfully appeal to the senses, there are open-ended questions for children to ponder as the story progresses and background information on the guayabera where adults can also be included in the learning process. From the beginning of the book to the end there is a whole host of knowledge at one’s disposal whether juvenile or adult. All in all, if you are looking for a children’s book that is thought provoking and uniquely illustrated, this is definitely the book for you.
Profile Image for Chrissy Casey.
101 reviews8 followers
June 29, 2022
This is the story of Beto. His mother wants him to wear a traditional 4 pocket guayabera wedding shirt. He tries everything to get out of wearing this shirt. He really doesn’t want to wear the shirt because his mother is marrying David and he is missing his father. She assures him that his father will always be a part of this family. Will he end of wearing the shirt. Read to find out.

I loved this diverse book. It gave the reader before, while, and after reading tips. It has several forms of writing-lettter, and notes. It explains all about a guayabera shirt, which was really neat to learn about. I can’t wait to get a copy of this book to share with my first grader!
Profile Image for Darlene Campos.
Author 13 books2 followers
June 14, 2022
This is such a cute story!!! Beto feels uneasy about wearing a guayabera but then he learns the value of family and honoring traditions. The ending was incredibly beautiful! My late father in law always wore guayaberas so I've been seeking a picture book that discusses guayaberas and their significance to Latin American culture. This book is perfect! I don't have children (yet) but when I do, this is definitely going to be a part of their home library. Thank you for a marvelous read, Cindy L. Rodriguez!
Profile Image for Dora.
273 reviews19 followers
June 12, 2022
A wonderfully illustrated and written story about the significance of the guayabera. Beto resists wearing a guayabera to an upcoming wedding. This story is filled with humor and some Spanish text as Beto continues to think of excuses for why he cannot wear this for the wedding. Throughout the days, he stumbles upon notes that encourage him to wear the guayabera, such as its material and the connection to his family, particularly his dad. An emotional ending to the tradition and family behind the guayabera.

A must-read to learn more about the cultural significance of the guayabera and remembering family.
Profile Image for K.G. Mach.
Author 1 book2 followers
May 31, 2022
A gem landed in my lap. I was one of a lucky few to preview the new picture book Three Pockets Full written by Cindy L. Rodriguez, and illustrated by Begoña Fernández Corbalán. This book is a-maz-ing. I have already preordered a few copies for nieces and nephews, as well as one for a local Little Free Library.
Here’s what makes this book unforgettable:
Children will love the repetition of Nope! Nunga! from young Beto.
Gorgeous illustrations add dimension to the story - even the dog Lupe has expression and personality!
Adult reader hearts will swell with emotion when Beto hugs his mom - and at the ending which I will not give away!
You will learn a fascinating backstory of the guayabera shirt.

Three Pockets Full releases this summer from Cardinal Rule Press.
8 reviews
May 18, 2022
I loved this debut picture book by author, Cindy Rodriguez and illustrator Begoña Fernández Corbalán!

The story is about Beto who we learn does not want to wear a guayabera, a traditional Mexican wedding shirt, to his mother’s wedding. He tries everything he can think of to get out of wearing the shirt and going to the wedding. His mother is patient but firm and, through the rich text and lovely illustrations, we learn about Beto’s father’s death, his conflicted feelings about his mother’s remarriage, and his desire to just wear a tuxedo.

These heavy issues are dealt with subtly and beautifully throughout. In the end, Beto and his mother share a moment of remembrance and acknowledge their shared loss but also the importance of family and tradition and moving forward with love.

I’m always amazed when an author and illustrator can cover so much in so few words and illustrations! I loved this book and was so interested to learn about the lovely tradition of the guayabera!

The publisher provided an advanced copy for review.
Profile Image for Susan.
Author 147 books102 followers
April 29, 2022
Three Pockets Full is a story told from the first-person perspective of a young boy, Beto, whose mother insists he wear a traditional Mexican wedding shirt to the upcoming wedding. Again and again Beto refuses, giving different excuses each time, and again and again, his mami counters his arguments. This exchange is done cleverly, with the two exchanging notes, so the disagreement is non-confrontational and allows for it to take place over time and gradually escalate. Despite the first-person perspective, the story is so well-written that is only near the end that Beto's real reason for not wanting to wear the shirt becomes apparent--and the story ends happily. All in all, a satisfying and pleasing read that young children will enjoy!
(The author sent me a pdf in exchange for an unbiased review.)
11 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2022
Beto doesn’t want to wear the guayabera, the traditional shirt in Latino communities, to his mother’s wedding. In fact, he doesn’t want to attend the wedding at all! But no measure of excuses (written on humorous, yet heartfelt, notes passed back and forth between the two) deter Mami. Determined to hide the shirt, Beto instead discovers a box of old photos, which prompts an honest conversation with Mami about how they both miss Papi, and how he’ll always be a part of their family. Three Pockets Full honors both the celebration of the past and the promise of the future. Cindy L. Rodriquez’s tender text coupled with Begoña Fernández Corbalán’s adorable illustrations will undoubtedly fill the hearts of readers of every age, everywhere! (Note: I was gifted a pdf of the book prior to publication in exchange for an honest review.)
Profile Image for Rebecca Allen.
Author 14 books10 followers
May 9, 2022
I love all the characters in Three Pockets Fulls! I love all the creative ways Beto tries to get out of wearing the traditional wedding shirt, Lupe the dog for his help with Beto’s pranks, and Mom for her loving insistence that he Beto honor this Latino tradition. The book’s pictures are vivid and make the story come alive. I could read this book again and again!

Thank you to Cardinal Rule Press for providing an e-arc of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

At TheWingedPen.com we have dozens of reviews of middle-grade and young-adult books. Check out our reviews at:
thewingedpen.com/category/books/
or just click on Book Recommendations on our home page where you can search by category!
Profile Image for Amaris Castillo.
54 reviews4 followers
Read
November 9, 2023
THREE POCKETS FULL starts out with a lot of personality and spunk, as Beto and his Mami go head-to-head over his refusal to wear a guayabera to a wedding. The young boy also doesn't want to attend the wedding. I enjoyed the humor throughout the course of the book -- it blended perfectly with details and information about the guayabera for readers who weren't aware of its significance. What I was not prepared for was the surprise at the end, which was very heart-wrenching, bittersweet -- all the feelings! This book by Cindy L. Rodriguez has a little bit of everything -- humor, culture, colorful personality, strong personalities -- and most, importantly, deep heart. I enjoyed it and recommend it for children to learn about guayaberas, and especially for children whose family is transforming in a way that can be difficult to adjust to.
Profile Image for Mariana Ríos.
Author 2 books35 followers
May 3, 2022
I just read the advanced reader copy of this book and I loved it. It's funny, clever, and heartwarming at the same time. It left me with a smile at the end and also a bit teared up. I really enjoyed it very much (the ending is lovely). I especially liked the written notes between Beto and Mom, I thought that was very original. I also liked the addition of Spanish words and the back matter about the guayabera.

I consider the theme of the book is very relatable to children who will be able to see themselves represented. The illustrations are wonderful and go perfectly with the text. I also liked that in the beginning the book provides suggestions on how to address the book reading with kids (before, while and after), I think that's a valuable plus.
Profile Image for Maria Ramos-Chertok.
Author 5 books3 followers
July 9, 2022
I just read Three Pockets Full and fell in love with the story! I had no idea why Beto didn't want to wear his guayabera and the reason surprised me and made so much sense. I love how the author presented Beto's resistance and told this story without giving too much away at the start. I think children will love both the story and the illustrations. There are many things to take away from the book, not the least of which is to learn more about the folklore connected to guayaberas. I recommend this book for young and old alike, since as a parent it gave me a new insight.
Profile Image for Terry Jennings.
Author 34 books35 followers
May 5, 2022
A poignant story of loss and love delivered through laugh-out-loud humor. Beto doesn't want to go to Mami's wedding and he does everything he can to get out of the ordeal, starting with refusing to wear a guayabera--a traditional Latinx shirt. "Nope, nunca, not gonna happen," is Beto's refrain, until he finally understands.
Thank you to Cardinal Press for providing a copy of this beautiful book.
Profile Image for Cindy Schrauben.
Author 3 books27 followers
July 25, 2022
I LOVED this book. It is both touching an hilarious. Beto's personality is so likeable and kids will really relate to his dilemmas. This is the perfect example of learning about new cultures and dealing with difficult subjects in a fun way. Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Janet.
Author 10 books131 followers
August 30, 2022
What a beautiful story. Touching on themes of joined families, and cultural traditions, Three Pockets Full is the story of Beto who does NOT want to wear a guayabera to the wedding. He's not even sure he wants to go!

He uses creativity to negotiate with his mom, and it takes an unexpected discovery to find the final solution of what he will do. But this story is about more than just whether or not he will wear the guayabera. It is about loss and love and finding your place in a new-to-you world.

Beto is a likable and relatable character, and you're rooting for him to find a solution he'll be happy with. Kids and adults will be able to relate to Beto's situation.

The illustrations are beautifully done, and bring the perfect soft and whimsical feel to the story. I especially love the close up of the guayabera on the book cover. It really brings the story to life and hints at the struggles Beto is dealing with.

I really appreciated the backmatter that gives a little history on the guayabera--what it is and where it comes from. So interesting!

I definitely recommend this book to everyone. And especially to those who loves to learn about other traditions and who have ever struggled to deal with unwanted changes in their life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.