Only for a Little While
What’s inside...
A heartwarming picture book with Spanish words woven in, about a father helping his daughter adjust when they temporarily have to move in with extended family. Perfect for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle and Where Are You From. When Maribel's family has to move in with Tía Carmen because Papi lost his job, Maribel and her sister feel unsettled. It’s not always easy sharing a room or being in a house full of loud cousins, but Papi reminds the girls that it’s only por un ratito—just for a little while. In the meantime, there is always someone to play with, the mealtimes are filled with music and laughter, and bedtime is for snuggling in tight. Maribel realizes that maybe being there por un ratito isn’t so bad after all. From debut author Gabriela Orozco Belt and artist Richy Sánchez Ayala comes a moving story about family and change—and how love is always the constant.
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they faced challenges? Can you relate to their feelings?
What do you think the message of the story is? Why is that message important?
How did the main character change from the beginning to the end of the book?
What would you have done differently if you were in the main character's situation?
Can you think of a time when you experienced something similar to what happened in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate personal experiences.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the book and discuss the potential outcomes.
Use the story’s themes to guide a conversation about values such as resilience, empathy, and courage.
Praise your child for their thoughts and insights, reinforcing their confidence in expressing opinions.
Link discussions to everyday life, making the story's lessons tangible and applicable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist overcoming obstacles with perseverance and courage, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist despite difficulties, whether in school tasks or personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: The narrative showcases how friendships can provide support and joy, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to nurture friendships, learning to be supportive and kind peers in their social environments.
Example Lesson: Embracing change
Explanation: Characters in the book adapt to new situations, teaching children the positive aspects of change and growth.
Real-World Application: Kids apply this by learning to embrace new experiences, such as moving to a new place or changing schools, with an open and positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through character interactions, the book illustrates how understanding different perspectives fosters empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and respect others' feelings and viewpoints in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Joy of learning
Explanation: The story includes elements that spark curiosity and a love for learning, highlighting the joys of discovering new things.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their interests and learn passionately about the world around them, whether at school or during play.