CARMELA FULL OF WISHES

Author Matt de la Peña narrates this spare audiobook for young children, and his beautiful words need no embellishment. It’s Carmela’s birthday, and she’s finally old enough to accompany her big brother on his errands. Outside, Carmela finds a puffy dandelion to make a wish on. Her wishes reflect the simple joys of childhood but also reflect the complex realities of a child of working parents. De la Peña’s voice captures Carmela’s innocence along with the pitch-perfect sibling dialogue, including her older brother’s impatient annoyance. But when she takes a tumble, listeners can hear his concern. Carmela’s story shines, and listeners will imagine her vibrant oceanside community as her dandelion seed wishes sail into the sky above the sea. S.C. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2018]