I'M JUST LIKE MY MOM; I'M JUST LIKE MY DAD / ME PAREZCO TANTO A MI MAMÁ; ME PAREZCO TANTO A MI PAPÁ

Jorge Ramos

Junio,2008

Illus. by Akemi Gutierrez

"Who do I look like?" That's the age-old question a brother and sister ask their parents in this seemingly simple bilingual story. Each page is an observation of familial similarities from the genetic, like eye color and nose shape, to the habitual, like milk mustaches and doodling. But there's a twist: Ramos divides his story in half along gender lines. Begin at one end, and it's the daughter's perspective; with mom, she plants a flower garden and plays dress-up. Begin at the other end, and it's the boy's; together, father and son play soccer and read bedtime books about "far away places." Although a nice rhythm results from the parallel story lines, the back-to-back design interrupts and may confuse the reader. Still, Ramos's message-that the love of the family means no child is alone-is poignant and heartfelt. Gutiérrez's gentle palette and controlled washes are a perfect match for this loving story, and young readers will be drawn to the large geometric shapes and the warm, friendly faces of the family. An age-appropriate story that may spark discussion.
(Picture book. 3-5)