Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao

Abstract

Reviewed by: Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao Danica Ronquillo Bontigao, Lynnor Sari-Sari Summers; written and illus. by Lynnor Bontigao. Candlewick, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9781536226140 $18.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs Nora always looks forward to spending her summers with her lola (grandmother), and this summer Nora’s big enough to clean, refill, sort, and measure a variety of products at her lola’s sari-sari store. When a heat wave keeps customers away, Nora anxiously wonders if the lack of work means she might have to go back home. While resting under the ripe mango tree outside the store, Nora comes up with a brilliant idea to make mango ice candy, and she and her lola create a refreshing summer dessert that brings in happy customers. Digital illustrations splash across the book’s spreads with energetic reds, oranges, and yellows, and the store shelves are vividly colored and drawn with realistic toys and treats one would find in a typical sari-sari store. Lively text provides an engrossing picture of the Philippines: “motorcycles zig and zag their way into traffic while the sweet smell of warm soft tofu, caramel syrup, and tapioca pearls fills the air,” while thoughtful portrayals of Filipino customs along with speech bubbles featuring both Tagalog and English lend an authenticity. Bontigao’s debut brims with heart-warming delight as the loving intergenerational relationship between Nora and her lola making ice candy shows how food brings a community together. As an added treat, the book features an ice candy recipe card for adults and children to make for hot summer days. Copyright © 2022 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois