Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao
Published by Candlewick Press on April 11, 2023
ISBN: 1536226149
Pages: 40
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
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Each summer, Nora visits her grandmother (her lola) in the Philippines. Lola runs a small convenience store, and Nora is finally old enough to help out there. Upon her arrival, Nora notices how large the mango tree out front has gotten, and how it is laden with large, green fruit.

Nora has fun restocking, sorting, and measuring dry goods for customers, and it is clear that she and her grandmother adore spending time with each other. One hot day, no customers arrive, and two days stretch into three, four… Lola tells Nora it’s just because of the excessive heat, so Nora suggests they make ice candy. A mixture of the now-ripe mangoes, sweetened condensed milk, and a few other ingredients, the blended liquid is poured into long, thin, plastic ice pop bags and frozen. The pair advertise their new treat, and the customers return. For the rest of the summer, Nora and Lola create various flavors of ice candy, and locals stop by for a cold treat and whatever other daily necessities they might want or need. 

This picture book gives readers a small, joyful glimpse into a culture that most Mainers are likely unfamiliar with, but can relate to nonetheless. A recommended purchase.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta