May Your Life Be Deliciosa

A delicious and fortifying picture book inspired by award-winning author Michael Genhart’s family and illustrated by Loris Lora, May Your Life Be Deliciosa features the Mexican tradition of holiday tamale-making.

A Pura Belpré Award Illustrator Honor Book

“What is the recipe?” I ask.
Abuela laughs. “It is in my heart, Rosie. I use mis ojos, my eyes, to measure. Mis manos, my hands, to feel. Mi boca, my mouth, to taste. My abuela gave it to me, and I am giving it to you.”

Each year on Christmas Eve, Rosie’s abuela, mamá, tía, sister, and cousins all gather together in Abuela’s kitchen to make tamales—cleaning corn husks, chopping onions and garlic, roasting chilis, kneading cornmeal dough, seasoning the filling, and folding it all—and tell stories. Rosie learns from her abuela not only how to make a delicious tamale, but how to make a delicious life, one filled with love, plenty of spice, and family.
“Drawing upon their own Latinx family experiences, Genhart and Lora cook up a beautiful story of food and cultural identity, rooted in family recipes, storytelling, and togetherness.” —Booklist (Starred Review)

“The warmth of family love and support wafts enticingly through this homage to tradition.” —Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)