Saguaro by Gaby D'Alessandro, Laekan Zea Kemp
Published by Neal Porter Books on 10/13/26
ISBN: 0823459748
Genres: Family
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

In this picture book, Abuelo teaches a boy about the miracle of the saguaro cactus, the giants on the family ranch that started as a small seed.  Readers are transported to the desert by the prominently peach and pink digital illustrations, the intermittent use of Spanish words, and the mixture of folklore and scientific facts about the saguaro cactus.  As Abuelo shares interesting facts about the saguaro, the unnamed boy starts to understand the connection he has with his family through these plants that have seen multiple generations.  Just like the cactus, the boy and his family have been on this land for a long time and are continuing to grow and thrive.  Backmatter includes more information about the saguaro cactus, including the importance to the local indigenous people.  This book would be a great addition to any library serving elementary students, as it offers a glimpse into the beliefs of those living in the Sonoran Desert as well as cool facts about the saguaro kids will enjoy learning.  This book is also available in Spanish.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library