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“Lyrical and poetic, this book teaches children to slow down and engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way. …Santos’s semi-autobiographical picture book recounts the memories of picking up rancid, rotten mangoes that fell from the backyard trees from her childhood in Venezuela, before she emigrated to Canada and before she appreciated the abundance of the sweet fruit. Looking back, the mangoes evoke sublime memories of bonding with her family, culture, and Mother Earth. Perdomo’s gorgeous illustrations bring fully to life the multitude of senses one can experience from picking and eating a sweet, plump mango on a warm day with a loved one. ”

– School Library Journal, Starred Review

How to Eat a Mango

Written by Paola Santos
Illustrated by Juliana Perdomo
Published by Neal Porter Books

Abuelita teaches Carmencita that you can’t rush mango-eating: it takes five steps to appreciate the gift and feel the love.

Carmencita doesn’t want to help Abuelita pick mangoes; she doesn’t even like them! They’re messy, they get stuck in her teeth, and it’s a chore to throw out the rotten ones.

But Abuelita adores mangoes, and patiently, she teaches Carmencita the right way to eat them. Together, they listen to the tree’s leaves, feel its branches and roots above and below, and smell and feel the sweet, smooth fruits. Each step is a meditation on everything Mamá Earth has given, and in the Earth’s love, Carmencita feels the love of her Mami, her Papi, her little brother Carlitos, and of course, Abuelita.

When they finally bite in, the juice running down their arms, Carmencita understands. The mangoes are more than just mangoes… and she’s ready for another!

Inspired by her own childhood in Venezuela, Paola Santos’s mango-sweet story is a grounding, life-affirming take on gratitude for nature’s gifts and connection with family and culture. Juliana Perdomo’s cheery artwork brings Carmencita, Abuelita, and their mango tree to life with all the warmth of golden fruit under the sun.

Look for the Spanish version, Cómo se Come un Mango.

Primary ISBN: 9780823453887
Publication Date: July 2024
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Venezuela

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Engagement Materials:

Educator’s Guide

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Source: Holiday House