Picadillo for Paulina by Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar was such a heartfelt and meaningful read. This story beautifully captures family, culture, identity, grief, and the comfort that food and tradition can bring during difficult times.

What I loved most about this book was how emotional and genuine it felt. Paulina’s journey felt incredibly relatable as she navigates change, family expectations, and finding her own voice. The relationships throughout the story felt warm, layered, and authentic, especially the family dynamics.

The writing has such a comforting quality to it while still exploring heavier emotional themes with care and honesty. There’s a tenderness woven throughout the story that makes you feel connected to the characters and invested in their growth.

Food and culture are such an important part of this book, and it added so much richness and heart to the story. The way meals, recipes, and traditions tied generations together made the story feel intimate and personal.

This is the kind of book that leaves you feeling emotional but hopeful by the end. A touching and beautifully written story about family, belonging, and healing.

Picadillo for Paulina is a wonderful story about food and traditions. The insight into why this tradition is so cherished by the family was a lovely addition to the narrative, but even better was the heartfelt support Paulina received from her Nana and her family. Ultimately, the story proves that traditions can be amended to be more inclusive without losing their meaning.

This book was awesome! My sweet little animal lover related so much to Paulina. We loved how it touched on the power of food and celebrating where you’re from. We also loved that they were able to find inclusive ways to modify the meals and still come together as a family.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

For her birthday, Paulina's family brings her to a farm filled with all the animals she loves! She vows then and there to become a vegetarian. The only problem? She's Cuban, which means that her family takes their cherished food traditions *seriously*. How can she reconcile the Cuban heritage she loves with her new promise to herself?

This is an adorably illustrated, sweet book about sticking to your decisions, being true to yourself, and the unconditional love of family. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a sweet story. Firstly the way the author mixes English and Spanish words is beautifully done and was still understandable. Secondly hearing Nana and Abeulito's story about growing up in Cuba with poverty was so vital to understanding why Nana's Picadillo dish was traditional. However, Paulina's family was very supportive. Thirdly, Love that the author added reci[es at the end of the book. I wish she added the flan recipe too.

Picadillo for Paulina is pure, colorful, tasty magic— a beautiful story of family support and healing in just 32 pages. Our sweet Paulina loves her family and animalitos, and she gets to spend time with both on her birthday! Later that night, her family cooks a celebratory dinner of beef picadillos, made with “mucho, mucho amor.” But her family is confused when Paulina gently refuses to eat this dinner. What ensues is a transparent and gentle testament to a truly loving family, one that honors their stories and their differences.
The story is interspersed with Spanish, letting the reader immerse themselves in the heart, sights and smells of the book. Each word and phrase on the page is quite poetic, and you can see the Behar’s intention and message shine through.
This beautiful story is complete with the most vivid colors and textured illustrations, and well as multiple (mouthwatering) picadillo recipes in the back. Picadillo for Paulina is truly a book for all ages— I’m excited for young children to absorb this message, as well as for adults to reflect on this unique story. Thank you NetGalley for this gorgeous ARC!

What a sweet story blending in family identity with personal feelings and beliefs. Also, a great appreciation of Cuban culture and family acceptance.