Description
Book Synopsis“The small shall be large . . . that's how it must be.” In the Andean foothills, a five-year-old Quechua girl is entrusted with a big job: to collect a marrow bone from the neighbor for the family soup. A stunning debut from Indigenous author Suniyay Moreno. Picu’s family is very poor. In the dry Andean foothills, her mother must feed fourteen people—her kids, her relatives’ kids, and the hired hand’s kids—every day. One morning, Picu, the youngest sister, is sent to get a marrow bone from a neighbor. The bone will add flavor and nutrition to the lunchtime soup. Her mother warns her not to dawdle on the two-hour walk, each way, through the wild landscape. But Picu can’t help it! She marvels at the butterflies, samples the cactus fruit, and daydreams about using the marrow bone as a football. Will the neighbor let her family keep the bone after the soup is made? Will her mother let her play with it? And will she be punished for being so late? Picu is a child of joie de vivre and resourcefulness. This story, like Picu herself, is tough, hard, and honest. And moving. And fun. The Youngest Sister features a glossary of Quechuan terms that are used throughout the story. An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids
Trade Review"Moreno establishes a folkloric narrative arc in the voice and style of Argentinian Quechua storytelling … Immersive textured crayon illustrations … heighten the feeling of a sensorial wonderland.”
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The Horn BookMoreno’s text...gives a folkloric resonance to this contemporary tale of life in an indigenous Quechua community. Chiesa’s richly textured crayon illustrations, not only convey the locale, but also celebrate the sturdy dignity of the hardworking, close-knit family.
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The Bulletin of Center for Children's Books
“Exhibits a cadence intended to respect its oral traditions and Quechuan voice. Moreno's portrayal of Indigenous life is revealing.”
—Booklist
“A memorable story alive with the voice of an Indigenous people seldom heard from.”—
Kirkus Reviews
“The vibrant illustrations are eye-catching and have the look of vigorously applied pastels. Could possibly find use within social studies units on South America.”
—School Library Connections
"A fascinating look at a little-known culture"
—School Library Journal
