Book Descriptions
for A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester and Juana Medina
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
It’s been three years since her Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce imagines her upcoming arrival with maletas—suitcases—full of exciting surprises. Indeed, her Papi must squeeze Abuela’s many maletas into the car when they pick her up at the airport. She’s brought chocolates and caramels, books, photos, and blankets “softer than cotton balls.” As the days pass, Dulce slows her consumption of the treats, realizing that they will run out, and so will her Abuela’s visit. As the maletas are packed for the return trip, Dulce adds her own gifts of mini dolls for her primas, and a collection of pictures she’s drawn of her time with her Abuela. At departure, her Abuela declares that someday Dulce will fly to visit her, but for now she should check under her bed. There Dulce discovers a new suitcase with her name on the tag, filled with candies, cookies, pictures, a hand-knit chullo, and a loving note. The story is relatable for anyone with cherished relatives who live far away, yet specific to Dulce’s family with details and seamless translanguaging. A note describes the art as honoring “Andean cultures, including the Quechua, Inca, and Aimara people” in the color palette and patterns appearing throughout.
CCBC Choices 2025. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2025. Used with permission.
From the Publisher
Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Award
ALSC Notable Children's Book
Anna Dewey Read Together Award Finalist
Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices 2025 List
From an award-winning author and illustrator, a warm, gentle ode to cherished visits from grandparents and the people and places that make us who we are even if we haven’t met them yet.
It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail—from Abuela’s maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela’s room and down the hall. But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an idea: maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.
ALSC Notable Children's Book
Anna Dewey Read Together Award Finalist
Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices 2025 List
From an award-winning author and illustrator, a warm, gentle ode to cherished visits from grandparents and the people and places that make us who we are even if we haven’t met them yet.
It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail—from Abuela’s maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela’s room and down the hall. But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an idea: maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.
Publisher description retrieved from Google Books.
