My Abuela Is a Bruja by Mayra Cuevas, illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez (9780593480632)

A little girl’s Abuela is magical in everything that she does and the girl wants to grow up to have the same magic and learn her secrets. Her grandmother is an island bruja, knowing all the secret paths and hidden waterfalls. Her grandmother is a garden bruja, able to get plants growing happily in sun and shade. She is a dancing bruja and a kitchen bruja, making savory and sweet. The little girl wishes for her own bruja magic and her grandmother assures her that she comes from a long line of magical women and already has magic of her own.

I particularly enjoyed the idea of a grandmother being a witch turning into the beauty and knowledge of an older woman taking care of a child. This book celebrates that there is magic in small things like dancing, exploring nature, eating good food and spending time together. The illustrations are lush and colorful, evoking Puerto Rico with a delightful playfulness.

A magical and down-to-earth read perfect for grandmothers to share. Appropriate for ages 3-5.

Reviewed from e-galley provided by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers.