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A Maleta Full of Treasures
From an award-winning author and illustrator, a warm, gentle ode to cherished visits from grandparents and the people and places that make us who we are even if we haven’t met them yet.
It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail—from Abuela’s maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela’s room and down the hall. But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.
It’s been three years since Abuela’s last visit, and Dulce revels in every tiny detail—from Abuela’s maletas full of candies in crinkly wrappers and gifts from primos to the sweet, earthy smell of Peru that floats out of Abuela’s room and down the hall. But Abuela’s visit can’t last forever, and all too soon she’s packing her suitcases again. Then Dulce has an maybe there are things she can gather for her cousins and send with Abuela to remind them of the U.S. relatives they’ve never met. And despite having to say goodbye, Abuela has one more surprise for Dulce—something to help her remember that home isn’t just a place, but the deep-rooted love they share no matter the distance.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 16, 2024
145 people want to read
About the author
Natalia Sylvester
11 books71.2k followersNatalia Sylvester is the Pura Belpré- and Schneider Family-honor winning author of the young adult novel BREATHE AND COUNT BACK FROM TEN, and the award-winning author of the young adult novel RUNNING and the adult novels EVERYONE KNOWS YOU GO HOME and CHASING THE SUN. Her first picture book, A MALETA FULL OF TREASURES, illustrated by Juana Medina, is out now from Penguin Random House. Her debut middle grade novel, NO WAY NEVER SISTERS, co-written with Chantel Acevedo, is forthcoming in March 2026 from Simon & Schuster.
Natalia's non-fiction has appeared in the New York Times, Bustle, Catapult, Electric Literature, Latina magazine, and McSweeney's Publishing. Her essays have been anthologized in collections such as A MAP IS ONLY ONE STORY and A MEASURE OF BELONGING: WRITERS OF COLOR ON THE NEW AMERICAN SOUTH.
Born in Lima, Peru, Natalia came to the US at age four and grew up in Florida and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. She received a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Miami, was a 2021 Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and was formerly a faculty member at the Mile-High MFA program at Regis University. She now lives in South Florida.
Natalia's non-fiction has appeared in the New York Times, Bustle, Catapult, Electric Literature, Latina magazine, and McSweeney's Publishing. Her essays have been anthologized in collections such as A MAP IS ONLY ONE STORY and A MEASURE OF BELONGING: WRITERS OF COLOR ON THE NEW AMERICAN SOUTH.
Born in Lima, Peru, Natalia came to the US at age four and grew up in Florida and the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. She received a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Miami, was a 2021 Visiting Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, and was formerly a faculty member at the Mile-High MFA program at Regis University. She now lives in South Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
April 19, 2024
A nice addition to the grandparent picture book canon - this one is full of heart and an engaging story. Medina's art shines as always.
November 20, 2024
I usually enjoy Juana Medina's illustrations, and this was no exception. The pictures were bright and warm and joyful, with a bold clarity that was a pleasure to look at.
The story was so heartwarming and loving. A young girl's Abuela comes to visit from her home and brings suitcases (maletas) full of gifts and treasures. Grandmother and grandchild spend the visit making so many sweet memories and then the girl repacks her Abuela's suitcase with treasures and gifts of her own. So warm. So lovely.
But I strongly object to the font design. The text was glaringly difficult to read, in absurdly small and fine font. It distracted from the story and was in fact a barrier to fully enjoying it.
The story was so heartwarming and loving. A young girl's Abuela comes to visit from her home and brings suitcases (maletas) full of gifts and treasures. Grandmother and grandchild spend the visit making so many sweet memories and then the girl repacks her Abuela's suitcase with treasures and gifts of her own. So warm. So lovely.
But I strongly object to the font design. The text was glaringly difficult to read, in absurdly small and fine font. It distracted from the story and was in fact a barrier to fully enjoying it.
February 28, 2024
This book feels like a warm hug. Dulce adores her Abuela, but it’s been a long time since she’s seen her in person. When she finally arrives, she holds her close and delights in the treasures she bring sin her maleta or suitcase. She soaks up every possible second with her grandmother and imprints the scents, tasty treats and connections to her extended family in her mind to hold them close. As the time for Abuela to leave looms near, Dulce has an idea to give the same gift of love to her to take home with her. This book is a homage to family and how we can build connections near and far. It’s both lyrical and beautiful and a treasure on my bookshelf.
April 12, 2024
Managed to sneak a picture book read into this busy day. This was like a giant hug! The audiobook was read by the author @nataliasylv and made me miss my grandmother so much. Loved that Sylvester shared this story full of culture, history and family
December 7, 2025
A good journey would comes up in a family. National identified. Ahlussunnah wal jama'ah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2025
This book was awarded a Pura Belpre Honor Award.
When Abuela comes to visit from Peru, she brings many gifts for a young girl and her parents in her maletas (suitcases). At the joyous reunion, there is much love. When they get home, Abuela opens her suitcases filled with many treasures - candies, baked goods, storybooks, pictures, and a soft blanket. When it is time to return to Peru, Abuela packs up gifts for family living there, but leaves one final sorpresa under her bed, to the girl's delight.
Sylvester's story is a wonderful reunion of cultures and family after time apart. She sprinkles a little bit of Spanish into every page for authenticity. (For those with a limited Spanish vocabulary, this is manageable, however a glossary of terms would have been useful for those who know no Spanish.) The emotions of the family are just as you might expect.
Illustrations by Sylvester were rendered using Procreate. She honored Andean cultures (including Quecha, Inca, and a Almara people, whose work inspired the color palette and some of the patterns used in the book. They are rich in color, detail, and emotion. Check out the father's expression as he is packing her suitcases in the back of their car - a montón (heap/alot)! The girl is the focus of every image - her feelings and emotions are front and center. My big quibble is the text font is very light and delicate, looking odd and out of balance with the bold lines and colors of the illustrations.
Use in units on intergenerational family stories, international families and separation, and love.
Recommended for grades PreSchool-3
When Abuela comes to visit from Peru, she brings many gifts for a young girl and her parents in her maletas (suitcases). At the joyous reunion, there is much love. When they get home, Abuela opens her suitcases filled with many treasures - candies, baked goods, storybooks, pictures, and a soft blanket. When it is time to return to Peru, Abuela packs up gifts for family living there, but leaves one final sorpresa under her bed, to the girl's delight.
Sylvester's story is a wonderful reunion of cultures and family after time apart. She sprinkles a little bit of Spanish into every page for authenticity. (For those with a limited Spanish vocabulary, this is manageable, however a glossary of terms would have been useful for those who know no Spanish.) The emotions of the family are just as you might expect.
Illustrations by Sylvester were rendered using Procreate. She honored Andean cultures (including Quecha, Inca, and a Almara people, whose work inspired the color palette and some of the patterns used in the book. They are rich in color, detail, and emotion. Check out the father's expression as he is packing her suitcases in the back of their car - a montón (heap/alot)! The girl is the focus of every image - her feelings and emotions are front and center. My big quibble is the text font is very light and delicate, looking odd and out of balance with the bold lines and colors of the illustrations.
Use in units on intergenerational family stories, international families and separation, and love.
Recommended for grades PreSchool-3
April 25, 2024
The talents and cultures of Natalia Sylvester and Juana Medina blend together to bring the warm story of a Peruvian grandmother visiting her beloved granddaughter and all the surprises that a suitcase, a maleta, can bring. Text is primarily in English, but Spanish phrases are sprinkled throughout and will provide opportunities to practice using both illustrations and text to determine meaning for those who only speak English and the comfort of familiarity for those who speak Spanish. The illustrations, especially at the airport and when Dulce opens the maleta left for her, are full of so many details for young listeners to talk about and make connections to. Excellent mentor text for use with preschool through grade 2.
November 22, 2024
Okay this book was just so beautiful and sweet and had me tearing up at the end. A very well done picture book for any reader who has a grandparent living far away.
April 22, 2024
Who knew the word Maleta carried so much? Friends, I'm delighted to share this book with you! It's inspired by relatives from Peru who would visit when I was young, carrying suitcases full of sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures that'd help me stay connected to my birthplace—and so lovingly illustrated by the brilliant Juana Medina! A Maleta Full of Treasures is the story of how one Abuela's maleta holds so much for one young girl.
It's also available in Spanish La Maleta de Tesoros and in ebook and audio—which I narrated in both languages.
Please add it to your TBR & share!
You can also order from your favorite indie & request it at your local library :) If you'd like a signed copy, Books & Books in Coral Gables, FL and Nowhere Bookshop in San Antonio, TX have signed copies of both editions!
https://shop.booksandbooks.com/book/9...
https://www.nowherebookshop.com/book/...
Mil gracias for reading!
It's also available in Spanish La Maleta de Tesoros and in ebook and audio—which I narrated in both languages.
Please add it to your TBR & share!
You can also order from your favorite indie & request it at your local library :) If you'd like a signed copy, Books & Books in Coral Gables, FL and Nowhere Bookshop in San Antonio, TX have signed copies of both editions!
https://shop.booksandbooks.com/book/9...
https://www.nowherebookshop.com/book/...
Mil gracias for reading!
October 7, 2024
This sweet story, centered around the love shared by a granddaughter and Abuela, will charm readers and perhaps speak directly to children whose relatives live in another country. A young girl eagerly awaits the arrival of her grandmother (presumably from Peru, though that is never stated.) Her Abuela comes with surprises and treats galore for the family, but the greatest gift is the time they have together. The story is infused with luscious tastes and smells, and readers will feel wrapped in Abuela’s fuzzy warm blanket. The wonderful illustrations convey joy and playfulness as well as incorporate details that add authenticity to the story… such as the child talking to Abuela over a tablet, and conversing with far away cousins over a smart phone. Abuela looks and acts like a classy lady. I appreciate that the author did not feel it was necessary to translate the occasional Spanish phrases, but allowed the reader to work out the fairly transparent meaning for themselves. This book is highly recommended for any elementary or public library serving children.
Recommended for ages 4-9 by the SEPA Book Reviewers
Recommended for ages 4-9 by the SEPA Book Reviewers
February 6, 2025
I love this celebration of the bond between an Abuela and her granddaughter so much! Sylvester perfectly captures in words the bittersweet nature of partings, the ways food and smells can connect us to people who aren't with us currently etc. Juana Medina's illustrations are cozy and rich with detail. I'm docking stars because the design of this book is atrocious. I cannot fathom why anyone would choose such a minute font for this book. It's so mind-boggling that the only theory I can come up with is that someone made a massive error and somehow it went through all the way to printing. I could barely read parts of the text and I can't imagine attempting to read this to a class. So sad that the design was so poorly executed for this charming story. Pura Belpre Illustrator Honor this year which is not surprising in the least!
September 30, 2025
Publication Date: 2024
Award: Pura Belpre Award
Genre: Picturebook, Diverse Literature
A Maleta Full of Treasures is a book about a little girls abuela coming to visit, they don't get to see each other often so her abuela brought her lots of gifts from her home land. Dulce gets to learn more about her culture and her family while her abuela visits and she feels homesick for a place that she has never visited, she was able to take advantage of her time with her abuela since their visits are spread apart. I enjoyed this book because it made me feel warm and it also made me feel homesick for a place ive never been to or experienced. I was able to learn a little bit more about Dulce's culture and where her family comes from, this would be a good book to share in class to have students think about different cultures and become interested.
Award: Pura Belpre Award
Genre: Picturebook, Diverse Literature
A Maleta Full of Treasures is a book about a little girls abuela coming to visit, they don't get to see each other often so her abuela brought her lots of gifts from her home land. Dulce gets to learn more about her culture and her family while her abuela visits and she feels homesick for a place that she has never visited, she was able to take advantage of her time with her abuela since their visits are spread apart. I enjoyed this book because it made me feel warm and it also made me feel homesick for a place ive never been to or experienced. I was able to learn a little bit more about Dulce's culture and where her family comes from, this would be a good book to share in class to have students think about different cultures and become interested.
May 20, 2024
Dulce's abuela is coming to visit from Peru! Hooray! And she's bringing maletas full of surprises, ones that Dulce cannot seem to get enough of, like "Candies in crinkly wrappers" and "blankets softer than cotton balls". Many memories are made during this time, like hearing stories and learning new recipes, but Abuela soon must prepare to leave. Dulce is so sad but figures out a way to fill a few of those maletas for her cousins back in Peru whom she wishes to meet, maybe soon? It's a lovely grandmother story with loads of happy details shown by illustrator Juana Medina. I liked that Spanish words are sprinkled throughout as Natalia Sylvester tells this family story of visits from far away.
July 6, 2024
A very sweet book about all the treasures a visiting grandma can bring. I like that the text and illustrations convey the wide variety of forms those treasures can take, from the candy and trinkets brought from far away, to the recipes and appreciating the time spent together. Perhaps most importantly, related to that last one, the treasure of snuggling next to a loved one you don't often see, of having them help fix your hair, and just spending time in close proximity.
This has a scattering of Spanish words mixed in throughout the text. There's no glossary in the back, but most meanings can be ascertained from the context.
This has a scattering of Spanish words mixed in throughout the text. There's no glossary in the back, but most meanings can be ascertained from the context.
June 12, 2024
This sweet picture book of familial love focuses on a little Peruvian American girl named Dulce who is so excited for her Abuela to come visit from back home. Abuela asks what gifts Dulce would like, but Dulce only wants Abuela. Still, Abuela comes with lots and lots of gifts from home. When she eventually has to leave to go back home, Dulce is so sad to miss her Abuela until she finds all of the treasures Abuela left to keep her company.
An incredibly relatable book for lots of children, the cozy and homey illustrations are just the right thing to complete this lovely picture book.
An incredibly relatable book for lots of children, the cozy and homey illustrations are just the right thing to complete this lovely picture book.
February 11, 2025
Dulce is brimming with excitement for her Abuela's visit. Abuela always brings pieces of Dulce's land with her. She's never been to Peru but she knows her roots are there. Her grandmother brings all kinds of wonders from home with her and the family enjoys numerous treats during her visit. But eventually Abuela must return home. Dulce decides to gather a few items for Abuela to take back to Dulce's cousins. And even though Abeula is gone, she's left a bit of herself behind as a surprise for Dulce.
April 18, 2025
After three years, Dulce's grandmother is coming for a family visit. Dulce knows that her Abuela will come loaded down with food, books and blankets from "nuestra tierra" where Dulce's parents were born. Each day is special because she spends time with her grandmother "making memories." This is a story that many readers can identify with whether their extended family lives in a different country or a different county. This would be a wonderful picture book to share on grandparents day.
"I can't understand how I can miss someone before they're gone and long for a place I've never been."
"I can't understand how I can miss someone before they're gone and long for a place I've never been."
July 20, 2024
A book mostly in English with occasional Spanish words and phrases that are not italicized or explained. The protagonist, who has lived in the US her entire life, enjoys a visit from her Abuela. The background of her Abuela at the airport includes an individual in a wheelchair and an employee with tattoos. The story is upbeat, focusing on time together and gifts rather than any hardships of normally being apart. The author was born in Peru and the illustrator in Colombia.
August 22, 2024
2024 Picture Book. Peruvian-American Author. Colombian-American Illustrator.
A main character has a summer visit from Abuela.
What I liked: An inside look at the effects of diaspora.
What I didn't like: This has the smallest font I've ever seen in a children's book. What the heck?
Overall, a satisfactory book to diversify a library, but nothing new here.
September 9, 2024
Dulce's parents migrated to a country far away from their family before she was born, so she only knows of her heritage through stories and food. But when her grandmother comes and brings many maletas (suitcases), each treasure revealed brings Dulce closer to her grandmother and her cousins. It's a sweet story and one that feels familiar to those who grow up living far away from extended family.
October 30, 2024
4.5 stars This one touched my heart and had me weeping. The grandparent/grandchild relationship is a very special one. When distance is an issue, it makes visits that much more special. Sharing family history, recipes, and culture all go into creating memories together. Memories can sustain us through separation. Despite living in different countries, Dulce and Abuela know the secret to creating and maintaining an amazing, loving, close relationship.
February 28, 2025
A girl's grandmother comes to visit from Peru and brings a maleta full of delicious treats, messages from her cousins and special things from abuela's home.
The print is unusually small for a picture book. Lots of Spanish with no glossary, which is fine as this picture book is most likely intended for a bilingual child. I liked the illustrations, and I liked the message that home isn't necessarily a placed you have been, but a place in your heart.
The print is unusually small for a picture book. Lots of Spanish with no glossary, which is fine as this picture book is most likely intended for a bilingual child. I liked the illustrations, and I liked the message that home isn't necessarily a placed you have been, but a place in your heart.
March 7, 2025
4 stars (I really liked it)
The warmth and love found in this book is fantastic. It's a story of a grandmother visiting with gifts. The illustrations are beautiful and inviting.
There is some Spanish mixed in. Most of the time you can figure out the Spanish words based on context but I wish there was a glossary at the end. My biggest annoyance with this book was the font size. Way too small!
The warmth and love found in this book is fantastic. It's a story of a grandmother visiting with gifts. The illustrations are beautiful and inviting.
There is some Spanish mixed in. Most of the time you can figure out the Spanish words based on context but I wish there was a glossary at the end. My biggest annoyance with this book was the font size. Way too small!
April 28, 2025
Abuela is coming for a visit from Peru! Dulce has not seen her in a long time. Abuela brings many suitcases with her full of gifts for Dulce and her family. There are candies and soft alpaca blankets. And gifts from the cousins Dulce has never even met! Time flies by quickly and soon it is time for Abuela to return to Peru but Dulce is thankful for the time they have had together and returns home from the airport to find a special gift waiting just for her.
February 1, 2025
Grandparents are the best and when Grandma comes to visit she always brings treasures-- sweets, momentos, etc.
And then when she leaves she uses her Grandma powers to still be able to create a magical connection by leaving treasures behind. Definitely a sweet picture book about family and feeling connected.
And then when she leaves she uses her Grandma powers to still be able to create a magical connection by leaving treasures behind. Definitely a sweet picture book about family and feeling connected.
February 16, 2025
Lovely, warm story about a young girl who's abuela visits from Peru. However the text is very small with many words. If sharing in a storytime with littles, prepare yourself to read it ahead of time and shorten it. Note: Some Spanish phrases sprinkled throughout.
Themes: culture (Spanish); Spanish language; family
Ages: K-2nd+ grade
Pub year: 2024
Themes: culture (Spanish); Spanish language; family
Ages: K-2nd+ grade
Pub year: 2024
February 23, 2025
When Dulce’s Abuela come from Peru for a visit, she brings many gifts from home including sweets that taste from far away. Dulce treasurers their time together and packs a maleta full of memories for Abuela to take home. The very simple story bursts with family love and the exuberant pictures are a perfect match. The illustrator, Juana Medina, was awarded Pura Belpre Honors in 2025.
April 17, 2025
A nice book about Grandma visiting her granddaughter and bring with her a suitcase full of gifts, memories, and love. This is a good book especially for those children who's grandparents live far away, whether in the same country or another. I'm glad my library has a copy, and I'd be happy to check it out again.
October 16, 2025
My kids loved this book, we had some great discussions about relatives visiting and special family moments. Everytime I read a book that isn't comedic, I pay special attention while I read to see if my kids are listening and they were glued to this book. I think everyone like thinking of their grandmother.
September 23, 2023
I received this book from Edelweiss as I coded for Diverse Book Finder
A very great story about a visiting Abuela and all of the treats and treasures that call us home. And bring home back when we leave loved ones behind.
A very great story about a visiting Abuela and all of the treats and treasures that call us home. And bring home back when we leave loved ones behind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews