Only for a Little While

by Gabriela Orozco Belt, Richy Sánchez Ayala (Illustrator)

A heartwarming picture book with Spanish words woven in, about a father helping his daughter adjust when they temporarily have to move in with extended family. Perfect for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle and Where Are You From . When Maribel's family has to move in with Tía Carmen because Papi lost his job, Maribel and her sister feel unsettled. It’s not always easy sharing a room or being in a house full of loud cousins, but Papi reminds the girls that it’s only por un ratito—just for a little while. In the meantime, there is always someone to play with, the mealtimes are filled with music and laughter, and bedtime is for snuggling in tight. Maribel realizes that maybe being there por un ratito isn’t so bad after all. From debut author Gabriela Orozco Belt and artist Richy Sánchez Ayala comes a moving story about family and change—and how love is always the constant.

Genres: Picture Books, Family, Childrens, Latinx, Fiction, Hispanic, Spanish Literature

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 27, 2023

About the author

Gabriela Orozco Belt is a children’s book author who lives in a small town in the Mojave Desert. Inspired by her experiences of growing up bilingual and bicultural, she writes stories for children so they can see themselves in books. Gaby’s debut picture book, Only for a Little While, serves to soften and process the feeling of being uprooted and see change as a temporary difficulty that families can get through with mutual support. When not teaching, writing, or reading, she can be found spending time with her husband, three children, and extended family.

Reviews

[Steena Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautifully written and illustrated bilingual story that portrays real life, and how family can come together in times of need. The refrain, “por un ratito,” adds hope and an understanding that some things last Only for a Little While. Highly recommend this book for readers of all ages!

[Marisha Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book! Perfect for kids going through a difficult time or transition. Spanish words are used in context to ease understanding. Belt’s text and Ayala’s illustrations pair perfectly!

[Mariana Ríos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a girl named Mirabel, whose dad suddenly loses his job and that means they need to move to Tía Carmen's house to live with her family for a little while. Through the story, Mirabel lets the readers know other circumstances in which she has experienced something good or bad for a little while and then she'll began to make the best out of her time at the busy and crowded house of her relatives.

This book is mainly a heartwarming story about family and hope, about finding the good things in difficult situations and having the best possible attitude knowing hardships are temporary, since they last "un ratito".

I really enjoyed reading the story. I especially liked the Spanish words sprinkled throughout the text, the colorful illustrations and the fact that Mirabel's family has Colombian and Mexican roots. I found that very interesting, and I think there will be readers who will be able to relate to having different nationalities mixed in their families.

I think this book will be perfect for schools, libraries and homes, since it will inspire important conversations with young kids about hardships, caring for others and never losing hope, among other topics.

[Katherine Eitel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's so much to love about this book for children! When young Maribel's family must unexpectedly leave their home and move in with extended family, Belt masterfully and tenderly guides children through the shared feelings of uncertainty, impatience, and displacement as life inevitably brings about change. She skillfully weaves into the journey the importance of trust, resilience, hope, and the love of family. I particularly loved that as a reader with muy poquito (very little) knowledge of Spanish, I was able to easily comprehend the Spanish words and phrases which are beautifully embedded into the context of the story making it easy to follow and understand. For parents or grandparents who want their children to believe in themselves and their family's ability to thrive in times of change, and who want them to gain a multicultural appreciation for that ability, this book is an excellent choice.

[Terry Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story of a young girl whose father has lost his job and her family has to move in with their Tía Carmen and her family. And it will be so squishy that it will be like a camp out, and there will be so many people in the house that she runs out of fingers before she runs out of names. Some things are the same and somethings are different. Most of the time she’s happy, but even when she isn’t, she has hope. She has faith that her father will find a job and they will be able to live in a home of their own. The story is told through intimate details that kids will identify with and with love and optimism. It is peppered throughout with Spanish that makes it sing. Out of a difficult situation, it is easy to find the hope in this book. A beautiful pairing of Belt’s heartwarming text and Richy Sánchez Ayala’s fun illustrations.

[Sabrina Shah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, tender story about a family going through a transition of home. Papi looses his job and must find a new home but in the mean time, they must live with extended family.
It's perfect for children who are also going through similar changes in life.

With themes of change, trust, resilience and family connections, Gabriela manages to capture the angst of the young character and all the unexcepted emotions and scenarios that come with it.
I love the repeated refrain skilfully written throughout the book - Only for a little while (por un ratito) and it's lovely to be exposed to over Spanish words throughout.

A excellent choice for any reader, parent or guardian who wants to discuss change and ways to deal with it.

[Belenmedina99 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a sweet, heartfelt book with a great message for kids about how difficulty is transient, all things will pass after a little while. It's about finding the good in what could be a difficult situation and for dreaming about the good that will come in the future and remaining hopeful. It's all set within a Latina family, with Spanish interweaved in the English version that adds to its authenticity. I really liked the repetition of "por un ratito" and how in the end it pays off so well with "para siempre." Lovely.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Maribel's father loses his job, her family must sell their house and move in with her Tia Carmen. But it's not forever - it's por un ratito, and throughout the book this idea of temporary hardship is thoughtfully explored through a lens of hope and optimism. This book is also a beautiful celebration of family bonds and shared culture, and will both comfort children going through their own difficult transitions, as well as inspire children to open their hearts (and even homes) to others. In English, with Spanish words and phrases woven throughout; a Spanish edition is also available.

[Tracy Hanline · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Only for a Little While" by Gabriela Orozco Belt is a story that reminds us that when life is uncertain, family is a constant we can count on for safety and support. The story is written in English with Spanish words and phrases throughout and is beautifully illustrated. This children's picture book is a great choice for any kids who are experiencing change and may need a reminder that the difficult times are only por un ratito.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful picture book celebrates the importance of family during difficult times. The vibrant art and kid-relatable bilingual text will fill readers with hope as they experience change and the power of love through Maribel’s eyes. ONLY FOR A LITTLE WHILE by Gabriela Orozco Belt and Richy Sanchez Ayala is a tender and heartwarming story that will help so many children understand that hardships are temporary. This book has the sweetest ending! It will tug at your heartstrings!

[Sarah Hovorka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this story shows a family moving in with other family members out of financial necessity. That is something that happens to many families and it's almost never shown in books, especially picture books, so I expect many families will relate to this story. Further, there are many fun scenes showing cousins playing together that could help make such a transition smoother for families going through something similar.

[CK Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two-Sentence Review: This creative picture book written in a blend of Spanish and English shows the different situations both adults and children face that can seem endless but are only por un ratito/only for a little while. I also loved the joyous illustrations and facial expressions of the characters as both author and illustrator depict hardships when one wishes the situation to end as well as happy moments they wish could go on forever--a great read!

[Jack Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book handles a family's hardship — leading to their temporary relocation to a relative's home — with grace and optimism. I don't want to spoil the full experience, but I was blown away by the ending — Gabriela Orozco Belt manages to strike a beautiful and hopeful final note, but without tying the story up with a falsely tidy bow. A magic trick, really! And a great read for any young person going through uncertain times.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

This is a heartwarming book about a family going through a hard time and having to move in with relatives for a little while. The Spanish words are woven seamlessly into the book, although I wish there was a glossary at the end. I either knew the Spanish words or could figure them out by context but having confirmation would be nice. I think this book would be a great window into the lives of others for many of the students at the school I teach at.

[Susan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying book about the challenges that Maribel's family is facing. Her father lost his job, so the family has had to move in with their relatives. Maribel's point of view accurately depicts compromise, crowding, and very valid feelings about not having your own home, but also shares close relationships and the comfort and familiarity of one's extended family. A good introduction to a difficult problem.

[Tamika Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a cute and relatable story. When finding out the family would be moving in with Tía and Tío's family, my first thought was, "How fun for a bunch of primos to be together." I love how the author shows the two sisters opposing views on moving in with family and how the main character shares that she believes in her father’s efforts to get the family their own house.

[Darlene Campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story for children! It carefully explains how life events are only temporary, just un ratito, and then the situation will get better. The illustrations are magnificently done and very colorful. I also really enjoyed the ending! My mom is a kindergarten teacher and I will definitely be getting her a copy of this wonderful book for her classroom.

[Gabriella Aldeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm story about dealing with the downs in life and the importance of knowing that "this too shall pass," it's only for a little while (por un ratito). Most importantly, this book is about family love and the sense of security you can count on from those who are closest to you—to support you, to lend you a helping hand, and to remind you to hold on... por un ratito más.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful bilingual generational story set in the real world where hard things happen. A world where we learn to make the best out of the hardest of situations. A world where we realize that the hard things are only por un ratito and most of all a world where we lean in and help one another- even if it's only for a little while. I have never been so excited to gift a book to my grandchildren.

[Vicky Fang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such a lovely celebration of family and finding joy in unexpected circumstances. When two families must stay together under one roof, things can be challenging but the warmth and connection they find makes it a positive experience. The mix of English and Spanish language adds to the richness of this story celebrating family and resilience.

[Paola Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting story where belief in family plays a fundamental role in developing trust, love, solidarity, and hope for a better future. Gabriela Orozco Belt, with a sweet and easy-to-follow story for children, manages to depict the toughest moments a family can face and how those moments turn into strength. Highly recommended book for little ones going through challenging circumstances.

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story will enter your heart, not por un ratito, but forever. What a beautiful way to talk about money insecurity and other life challenges. Also, family support is so important in this book. And the main message is that most of the challenges we go through, be that a broken arm or losing a job, last just por un ratito. Beautiful art complements this beautiful message.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in a mixed English/Spanish, this is about a family needing to move in with relatives after the father loses his job, told from the point of view of a child. It explores what it feels like for a child to go through an experience like this and how the family adjusts. I wish that there was a page that explained the unfamiliar Spanish phrases in the book, but the story was well done.

[Brittany Pomales · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many reasons to temporarily move in with family members. Only for a Little While normalizes transitional periods in our lives without judgement. It provides comfort for those times where we must live in the temporary while we wait or search for the permanent.

[Deborah Bennett Bennett Berecz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully written book about dealing with family transitions. As a family lawyer, I recommend it to divorcing clients for their children who are processing the transition to two homes-and sometimes that means moving in with grandparents/abuelos!

[Lisa Varchol Varchol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a tender picture book that follows a child and her family as they move in with relatives por un ratito. The story isn't just about the challenges of such a transition, but about the love and connection in this family, which is captured beautifully in both the text and art.

[Marie Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet book about a child dealing with her father’s job loss and the changes it brings, including moving with extended family “por un ratito.” This book celebrates a family’s love and ability to dream even during difficult times. Lovely book!

[Helen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the family in this story comes together to support one another in so many ways, and also enjoy the way the author weaves in Spanish language phrases throughout. Change is hard, but this book offers a reminder that we all have the strength within to endure a rough patch!

[Delia Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An endearing and hopeful story about a family adjusting to a big move. The illustrations show the different cultures and the unity of an extended family. A beautiful celebration of love and support during tough times.

[Dre Loves Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah yes, I am familiar with the phrase "por un ratito" :) The phrase can feel like forever for a kid and this book beautifully captures those feelings along with finding the positives and building resilience.