Hello, friends! Our book today is All The Way To Havana, written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Mike Curato, a beautiful tale of a unique island.

A little boy’s family is headed into town today, with a cake and a gift in hand, for his new baby cousin’s zero-year birthday. But their generations-old car, affectionately named Cara Cara after the chicken-like sounds its engine produces, is having trouble starting, as always. So the boy and his father lift the hood and tinker with the hodge-podge of parts and scraps holding the ancient engine together, coaxing the old land-yacht back to life. After giving some friendly neighbors a ride and navigating a sea of similarly-unique vehicles, the family at last arrives at the birthday party, filled with excitement, family, and food. And after a fiesta (and a short siesta for the boy), the family heads back to their village, the cluck/clanking of Cara Cara ferrying them on their way.

Fascinating and beautiful. Without going into any detail (beyond mention of a complicated political situation in the afterward), Engle introduces the reader to a slice of Cuban life through a child’s eyes that is filled with color, culture, and life. With the theme of the unique vehicular population of the island running throughout, the story also deftly folds in elements of Cuban life and culture, inviting readers to experience the boy’s day alongside him. Curato’s immaculately detailed illustrations, especially his talent for bustling cityscapes, is the perfect compliment to the journey. The length is great for any age, and JJ loved imitating all the onomatopoeic car sounds. A sweet, one-of-a-kind adventure the celebrates what makes modern Cuba so unique, as well as all the things – such as kindness, wonder, and familia – that we share. Baby Bookworm approved!