AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR: Higuera (author of El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! and a forthcoming El Cucuy sequel on the Abrams BYR list) won the 2022 Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Award for her middle-grade novel The Last Cuentista.PERSONAL CONNECTION: As discussed in her author¿s note, this book is inspired by Higueräs own feelings of embarrassment, and love, towards her grandmother as a child, and many scenes are based on real memories.BICULTURAL IDENTITY: From her Spanish-speaking household to the food her family eats to where she lives, the narrator initially has conflicted feelings about her family and heritage, feelings which will resonate with any child who¿s felt like an outsider. Perfect for fans of Watercress.INTERGENERATIONAL STORY: When the yellow handkerchief prompts the narrator to see her abuela in a new light, she comes to appreciate her grandmother¿s hard work, strength, and colorful stories.EMOTIONAL ART: Alonso¿s vibrant illustrations are full of life, depth, and tenderness. Aquarium, her author-illustrated debut, was called ¿visually striking and charmingly expressive¿ by Booklist, while Kirkus praised its ¿Moving and evocative visual storytelling.¿BILINGUAL TEXT: Spanish and English are woven seamlessly together throughout.