Only for a Little While

by Gabriela Orozco Belt, Richy Sánchez Ayala (Illustrator)

Overview

A heartwarming picture book with Spanish words woven in, about a father helping his daughter adjust when they temporarily have to move in with extended family. Perfect for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle and Where Are You From.

When Maribel's family has to move in with Tía Carmen because Papi lost his job, Maribel and her sister feel unsettled.

It’s not always easy sharing a room or being in a house full of loud cousins, but Papi reminds the girls that it’s only por un ratito—just for a little while. In the meantime, there is always someone to play with, the mealtimes are filled with music and laughter, and bedtime is for snuggling in tight. Maribel realizes that maybe being there por un ratito isn’t so bad after all.

From debut author Gabriela Orozco Belt and artist Richy Sánchez Ayala comes a moving story about family and change—and how love is always the constant.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063206632
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	06/27/2023
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	353,197
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Gabriela Orozco Belt is a Costa Rican American writer who knows about family, change, and love. She has a large, loving family, and while she moved often as a child, she now calls the Mojave Desert home. Gabriela is a school librarian and Only for a Little While is her debut picture book. You can visit Gabriela at gabrielabelt.com.

Richy Sanchez Ayala is a visual development artist and illustrator from the Dominican Republic. He has created art for several picture books. You can visit him at richyart.com.

Editorial Reviews

07/24/2023

When Papi’s job loss results in Maribel’s family moving to Tía Carmen’s, knowing it’s “por un ratito”—for a little while—helps Maribel face change in this warmhearted debut from Orozco Belt. As the family packs, Maribel reflects on good moments experienced during other temporary situations: the “yummy comidas” Tío Hector cooked when staying with the family after his house flooded; the way Papi provided entertainment when Maribel’s arm was in a cast (“putting on a luchador mask and wrestling with the couch cushions”); and the stories and treats that Abuelito and Abuelita share when they visit from Costa Rica. Though living at their relatives’ bustling home isn’t easy, having cousins around means that there’s always a playmate, and Papi and Tía tell stories about their upbringing in Mexico. Sánchez Ayala’s saturated, domestic-leaning digital illustrations emphasize this optimistic perspective, centering fond moments and hopes for the family’s future. Ages 4–8. (June)

Publishers Weekly

Both English and Spanish texts of this title convey a calm, peaceful tone, especially with the depiction of an experience that would be stressful for a family, and particularly for children. Maribel looks on the bright side and reminds readers that nothing lasts forever. VERDICT Both editions are excellent choices for picture book collections." — School Library Journal

“This story about temporary situations makes for a book that is likely to resonate for a long time.” — Kirkus Reviews

“In this warmhearted debut from Orozco Belt, though living at their relatives’ bustling home isn’t easy, having cousins around means that there’s always a playmate. Sánchez Ayala’s illustrations emphasize this optimistic perspective, centering fond moments and hopes for the family’s future.”  — Publishers Weekly

"Little readers will be absorbed in the lively, richly colored illustrations, which are reminiscent of Joe Cepeda’s artwork and feature thoughtful cultural details. The book’s creators handle a challenging but not uncommon life event with care, especting Maribel’s mixed feelings while retaining a hopeful outlook." — ALA Booklist

From the Publisher

05/01/2023

K-Gr 3—Maribel's father has lost his job and she, her sister Aurelia, Mami, and Papi will be staying at Tìa Carmen's house. Maribel is sad to be leaving their home, but Papi reminds them that this is only "por un ratito"—for a little while. Maribel thinks about the time their uncle came to stay with them por un ratito, and when their grandparents come to visit for a little while, when she wished their stay had been longer. Or when her arm was in a cast, and Papi assured her it would be only for a little while, and she found other ways to have fun. Maribel looks at the many fun things that will come from staying at Tìa Carmen's: among them, having her cousins to play with and enjoying loud and funny meals together. She thinks of the positives and when she finds herself getting frustrated, Aurelia is there to comfort her. Papi shares his hopes for their future, when they will have a house of their own again, and Maribel and Aurelia will have their own rooms—not just por un ratito, but forever. Both English and Spanish texts of this title convey a calm, peaceful tone, especially with the depiction of an experience that would be stressful for a family, and particularly for children. Maribel looks on the bright side and reminds readers that nothing lasts forever Colorful and warm illustrations show the change as the family moves to Tìa Carmen's house, with worried expressions eventually replaced by happy and hopeful ones. VERDICT Both editions are excellent choices for picture book collections.—Selenia Paz

School Library Journal

2023-04-24
A young Latine girl’s housing uncertainty reveals the strength of her family’s bonds.

Maribel helps pack as her family prepares to move in with Tía Carmen. Maribel’s father has lost his job, and they all hope the situation is temporary—just for a little while, “un ratito,” until they can find a permanent home. Maribel recalls other situations where family members made way for guests such as when Tía Hector stayed with them after he was flooded out of his house. Maribel muses on how sometimes “un ratito” can feel like an eternity, like when she had to stay indoors after breaking her arm last summer. Other times, like when her grandparents visit from Costa Rica, un ratito isn’t nearly enough time. Maribel’s sister, Aurelia, worries that Tía Carmen’s house will feel crowded with so many people, but Maribel reassures her that it will be like a fun sleepover. Though ultimately the experience is sometimes difficult, Maribel loves being with her family and hearing stories of her father and her aunt’s childhood in Mexico. Unitalicized Spanish words and phrases are incorporated; sometimes an English translation is included. The message is solid: Families provide and sacrifice for each other, especially when times are hard. The illustrations use warm tones and affectionate body language and friendly faces to convey the love shared by Maribel’s family. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

This story about temporary situations makes for a book that is likely to resonate for a long time. (Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews