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Mamá Graciela's Secret
MamA GracIela's TENDER, CRUNCHY, SPICY bacalaItos fritos are the best in town...
Local customers (including stray cats!) come from all over the island to enjoy her secret recipe. But when the Inspector discovers that MamA secretly caters to so many cats and he threatens to close her tiny restaurant, MamA must come up with a plan to save it--and all of the animals she loves.
Local customers (including stray cats!) come from all over the island to enjoy her secret recipe. But when the Inspector discovers that MamA secretly caters to so many cats and he threatens to close her tiny restaurant, MamA must come up with a plan to save it--and all of the animals she loves.
- GenresChildrens
36 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2017
148 people want to read
About the author
Mayra Calvani
28 books201 followersMayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 25, 2017
Mama Graciela makes the best bacalaitos fritos on her beachside restaurant. No One knows the mama’s secret of her recipe.There lives the stray cats with her in the restaurant. She feeds the cats with care.And as days move on, the customers to her restaurant grows and so the number of cats. The fate knocks the restaurant door in the name of health inspector. Mama comes up with soulful plan to save the animals and her recipe.
This is a story to tell the true act of love towards the animals. Beautiful illustration by illustrator with the classic touch.
Overall it’s a Well Illustrated bedtime story for the children with a noble message.
This is a story to tell the true act of love towards the animals. Beautiful illustration by illustrator with the classic touch.
Overall it’s a Well Illustrated bedtime story for the children with a noble message.
December 13, 2017
Received in exchange for a honest review.
This was fun and adorable.
Mama has a big heart and it gets her in trouble with the inspector. She has a restaurant that is highly popular but not just with customers who come for her bacalaitos fritos but with cats as well. And Mama cannot turn away the cats. So to keep from losing all she loves she finds a way to get her bacalaitos fritos to her customers and save the animals.
The illustrations are adorable and tell the story in whimsical fashion. The story itself is fun and entertaining. Mama captures your heart with her big heart.
Just a sweet and fun book that the kiddos will love and the illustrations capture the heart of the story as well.
This was fun and adorable.
Mama has a big heart and it gets her in trouble with the inspector. She has a restaurant that is highly popular but not just with customers who come for her bacalaitos fritos but with cats as well. And Mama cannot turn away the cats. So to keep from losing all she loves she finds a way to get her bacalaitos fritos to her customers and save the animals.
The illustrations are adorable and tell the story in whimsical fashion. The story itself is fun and entertaining. Mama captures your heart with her big heart.
Just a sweet and fun book that the kiddos will love and the illustrations capture the heart of the story as well.
December 10, 2017
It’s nice to read a children’s book with letters accented so neatly, giving depth to the narrator’s voice. Mamá Graciela has a restaurant called La Bahía, and already I need to learn how to pronounce the words. Meanwhile I learn of delicious bacalaítos fritos and I want to taste them!
Sheila Fein’s illustrations in this book and bright and warm, perfectly complementing the Mayra Calvani’s warm, inviting story. And it’s not just a story about food. There are cats “like my children, the ones I never had.” And such wonderful cats… and so many cats!
I love how this story moves from normal to wild and wonderful. I love how the illustrations are so satisfyingly filled with character. I imagine a small child playing spot the striped brown kitten. But trouble looms… and I love that this is a children’s book with a real story, with beginning, middle and end.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Sheila Fein’s illustrations in this book and bright and warm, perfectly complementing the Mayra Calvani’s warm, inviting story. And it’s not just a story about food. There are cats “like my children, the ones I never had.” And such wonderful cats… and so many cats!
I love how this story moves from normal to wild and wonderful. I love how the illustrations are so satisfyingly filled with character. I imagine a small child playing spot the striped brown kitten. But trouble looms… and I love that this is a children’s book with a real story, with beginning, middle and end.
Disclosure: I was given an ecopy and I offer my honest review.
December 12, 2017
What a sweet story about a woman that loved animals so much she was willing to give up her restaurant to keep the cats around.
Now you do have to set aside reality and common sense as an adult, but children will love this book especially if they are animal lovers. The story tells of how one woman put the needs of the cats she adored ahead of her restaurant when push came to shove. I think it also might teach them some character skills.
The graphics depict the story well, are very colorful and will hold a child's attention while reading this story.
Now you do have to set aside reality and common sense as an adult, but children will love this book especially if they are animal lovers. The story tells of how one woman put the needs of the cats she adored ahead of her restaurant when push came to shove. I think it also might teach them some character skills.
The graphics depict the story well, are very colorful and will hold a child's attention while reading this story.
January 19, 2018
I do not remember the last time I read a picture book, but it was so nice to read one again. Mama Graciela's Secret is a really sweet book about a sweet abuelita that does what she loves and protects what she loves.
Even though the story is less than 25 pages long I actually gasped when the someone threatened to take Mama Graciela's cats! Even though it is a children's book with very little prose Calvani was able to get me invested in Mama Graciela's story. At the end I felt proud of her decision at the end of the adorable picture book.
November 30, 2017
*I was given a copy of this book to be honestly reviewed*
The pictures in this book were really bright and colorful, keeping my two-year old's attention nicely. She LOVED the cats! The story was sweet and made me a bit hungry haha. Some of the words were a little advanced, and I'm not sure young children are going to understand about the health inspector, but those could all be opportunities to learn and discuss things! Older children will probably have no trouble with it at all.
Cute story!
Bob and the Pugglepires say: 4 Platypires!
The pictures in this book were really bright and colorful, keeping my two-year old's attention nicely. She LOVED the cats! The story was sweet and made me a bit hungry haha. Some of the words were a little advanced, and I'm not sure young children are going to understand about the health inspector, but those could all be opportunities to learn and discuss things! Older children will probably have no trouble with it at all.
Cute story!
Bob and the Pugglepires say: 4 Platypires!
January 8, 2018
Mamá Graciela’s codfish fritters are the talk of the town. They attract crowds of people, but also cats. Soon Mamá Graciela has too many cats and the health inspector threatens to shut down her restaurant. What will Mamá Graciela do?
Mamá Graciela is a wonderful character, as is her husband. Her compassion and dignity make her a role model for all readers, children and adult alike. The illustrations by Sheila Fein are rich and full of detail. Your kids will have fun looking at all the cats, who each have their own personality.
This is a gorgeous book with a beautiful message.
Suitable for children ages 3-7.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (8 January): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
Mamá Graciela is a wonderful character, as is her husband. Her compassion and dignity make her a role model for all readers, children and adult alike. The illustrations by Sheila Fein are rich and full of detail. Your kids will have fun looking at all the cats, who each have their own personality.
This is a gorgeous book with a beautiful message.
Suitable for children ages 3-7.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (8 January): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.co...
November 21, 2017
Mama Graciela's Secret by Maya Calvani is a beautiful engaging story. The pages are wonderfully illustrated to match every scene. This is definitely a story for children and adults alike. Animal lovers will love Mama Graciela and her effort to save the cats that come to her restaurant. I found entertaining, sweet, and educational.
I received this copy from the publisher. This, is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This, is my voluntary review.
November 20, 2017
This is a perfect short read for bedtime. A fun story about Mama Graciela, her bacalaitos fritos (codfish fritters which everyone should eat as we here at home love to make them) and her many cats. The story is enthusiastic and I loved the illustrations. -YA/NA Book Divas
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
{I requested a copy for reviewing purposes and made no guarantee of a favorable review. The opinions expressed here are unbiased and my own.}
November 17, 2017
A wonderful book that children will love! Mama Graciela's Secret is a great book for parents who enjoy reading to their child. It will be an instant classic to any child who reads it.
December 26, 2017
This is a story for kids and adults alike. It is a short picture story that can be finished in one reading.
The story revolves around a lady, her secret recipe for making fritos and her love for cats. What happens in the story is something you need the book to find out.
The writing is simple with a rustic flavour. The narrative is continuous and has no breaks. Mayra's writing helps trigger imageries and wherever it is difficult to comprehend a colloquial word the illustrations help understanding.
The story has one main protagonist and an important group - 1000 cats. What endears a reader is the fact that she is an ardent animal lover, kind and generous, and is willing to do choose them above anything else.
One hitch I found was the fact that with so many cats around, her shanty still sold eatables. There was no mention of how hygiene was being maintained at her eatery while she prepared her eats. This being a children's book, had the onus of teaching the little readers the importance of hygienic preparation of food alongside love fod animals. Thats the reason I had to reduce two stars. In fact, when I narrated this story to my daughters, my younger child asked me how come nobody complained of contaminated food. I seriously had no immediate answer.
To sum up, the story is worth a read, especially the illustrations. They are very attractive. Its like playing Where are the Cats. The story is really likeable and good for kids and adults alike.
P.S - Thank you B00kr3vi3w Tours for a good story. This review is my honest opinoin after reading the story.
The story revolves around a lady, her secret recipe for making fritos and her love for cats. What happens in the story is something you need the book to find out.
The writing is simple with a rustic flavour. The narrative is continuous and has no breaks. Mayra's writing helps trigger imageries and wherever it is difficult to comprehend a colloquial word the illustrations help understanding.
The story has one main protagonist and an important group - 1000 cats. What endears a reader is the fact that she is an ardent animal lover, kind and generous, and is willing to do choose them above anything else.
One hitch I found was the fact that with so many cats around, her shanty still sold eatables. There was no mention of how hygiene was being maintained at her eatery while she prepared her eats. This being a children's book, had the onus of teaching the little readers the importance of hygienic preparation of food alongside love fod animals. Thats the reason I had to reduce two stars. In fact, when I narrated this story to my daughters, my younger child asked me how come nobody complained of contaminated food. I seriously had no immediate answer.
To sum up, the story is worth a read, especially the illustrations. They are very attractive. Its like playing Where are the Cats. The story is really likeable and good for kids and adults alike.
P.S - Thank you B00kr3vi3w Tours for a good story. This review is my honest opinoin after reading the story.
December 18, 2017
I have always maintained that I look for two elements in a children's book. One, how well the book endears itself to the little readers, and two, the message that it puts across.
It is indeed interesting when the two blend together nearer to the climax of the book. And admittedly, children's books have the most heart-warming of them. This book faired well on both the aspects. It follows the story of a restaurant owner who has to choose between her livelihood and her love for pets. The great part of the story was its uniform tempo and tone. This ensures that each time the book is read, the reader gets to choose what s/he wants to focus on: whether it is the dilemma that she faces, whether it is the solution, whether it is the message of love...as a young reader, you get to choose what you want to focus on. This is what an open-ended, but morally rich book would look like. Yes, I'd call it an epitome.
The illustrations were a treat to the eyes as well. They complimented the story well, and in fact, at ties, even stole the limelight. Illustrations in a children's book should exhibit clarity and capture the plot with all its minor details. The book passes this litmus test also.
All in all, I'd recommend this book to be on the shelf of a young one. (Hope all the parents are listening)
It is indeed interesting when the two blend together nearer to the climax of the book. And admittedly, children's books have the most heart-warming of them. This book faired well on both the aspects. It follows the story of a restaurant owner who has to choose between her livelihood and her love for pets. The great part of the story was its uniform tempo and tone. This ensures that each time the book is read, the reader gets to choose what s/he wants to focus on: whether it is the dilemma that she faces, whether it is the solution, whether it is the message of love...as a young reader, you get to choose what you want to focus on. This is what an open-ended, but morally rich book would look like. Yes, I'd call it an epitome.
The illustrations were a treat to the eyes as well. They complimented the story well, and in fact, at ties, even stole the limelight. Illustrations in a children's book should exhibit clarity and capture the plot with all its minor details. The book passes this litmus test also.
All in all, I'd recommend this book to be on the shelf of a young one. (Hope all the parents are listening)
January 4, 2018
Mamá Graciela’s Secret by Mayra Calvani is a fun read and I felt like a kid again. Thank you for sending me the review copies.
The book is of 36 pages, illustrated by Sheila Fein and published by MacLaren-Cochrane. It mainly focuses on kids of age-group 3-7 years old but I felt like people of all age can read it.
The story is about Mamá Graciela’s famous bacalaítos fritos, which local customers enjoy from all over the island. She also has a thing for cats and it's quite adorable how she pets them and treats them like her customers. But the number of cats goes on increasing which seems like a threat to close her restaurant. Without giving up hope, Mamá Graciela takes her final decision.
The book not only depicts love for animals but also the cruelty of the outside world when people tell her to close the restaurant and keep the cats in a cage. It depicts kindness still exists among certain people and money doesn't bring happiness to a family. Mamá Graciela is portrayed as an independent woman who runs her kitchen with her own secret recipe which her customers love and her kindness stole my heart.
The illustrations are colorful and quite catchy. A great book to start this new year.
The book is of 36 pages, illustrated by Sheila Fein and published by MacLaren-Cochrane. It mainly focuses on kids of age-group 3-7 years old but I felt like people of all age can read it.
The story is about Mamá Graciela’s famous bacalaítos fritos, which local customers enjoy from all over the island. She also has a thing for cats and it's quite adorable how she pets them and treats them like her customers. But the number of cats goes on increasing which seems like a threat to close her restaurant. Without giving up hope, Mamá Graciela takes her final decision.
The book not only depicts love for animals but also the cruelty of the outside world when people tell her to close the restaurant and keep the cats in a cage. It depicts kindness still exists among certain people and money doesn't bring happiness to a family. Mamá Graciela is portrayed as an independent woman who runs her kitchen with her own secret recipe which her customers love and her kindness stole my heart.
The illustrations are colorful and quite catchy. A great book to start this new year.
December 29, 2017
It begins as a tale of a one woman's quest to feed those hungry souls that crossed her path; be they man or beast, she saw no difference as a need was a need. I applaud her open heart and the way in which she embraced ALL those in need. Thing is...it got a little out of hand. I mean, I love our four-legged friends as much as the next person, but when you're talking about dozens, hundreds, and perhaps thousands of feline friends...it's more a community than a few frequent travelers now isn't it? When "the man" comes round after catching wind of what was happening, you can bet he wanted to put a stop to it...not because he was heartless, but because of health concerns. Surprisingly though, this kick in the proverbial skirts was exactly what she needed to discover her true passion and start the next phase of her and her husband's lives in harmony.
With colorful illustrations to capture the eye and a story that will inspire many to reach for their dreams, author Mayra Calvani has struck just the right heart strings once again for a tale worth sharing across the generations.
**ecopy received for review
With colorful illustrations to capture the eye and a story that will inspire many to reach for their dreams, author Mayra Calvani has struck just the right heart strings once again for a tale worth sharing across the generations.
**ecopy received for review
January 1, 2018
Mamá Graciela’s Secret is a beautiful story about Mamá Graciela’s love for animals. She has to make a decision and choose between her cats and her restaurant when the health inspector says that they’re going to have to shut down her restaurant because of so many cats. Mamá can’t get rid of her cats and she needs her restaurant also as that is the only source of income she has.
I like it how she comes up with a solution that works for everyone and how her husband always supports her.
The illustrations are very beautiful and are filled with vibrant colors that will keep the attention of young children and will be loved by all the little ones. The story teaches the kids about love of both animals and people and also teaches the children about making right decisions. This book is really great and I read it to my little nephew who also loved it a lot. I have also recommended this book to my friends and have asked them to read it to their kids.
Visit: https://bibilophile.wordpress.com/201...
I like it how she comes up with a solution that works for everyone and how her husband always supports her.
The illustrations are very beautiful and are filled with vibrant colors that will keep the attention of young children and will be loved by all the little ones. The story teaches the kids about love of both animals and people and also teaches the children about making right decisions. This book is really great and I read it to my little nephew who also loved it a lot. I have also recommended this book to my friends and have asked them to read it to their kids.
Visit: https://bibilophile.wordpress.com/201...
December 15, 2017
The story is about Mama Graciela and her cats. Mama can make the best bacalaitos fritos which are the best in the town. She has the heart of gold and she is kind to stray cats and dogs. When thousands of cats gather at her shop to enjoy fritos daily, the health officer tries to close her shop for the same reason. But, Mama Graciela has to take a difficult decision to save her shop without shoeing away their cats.
The story is unique and unpredictable. It has good morals for the children. The narration and illustrations are good even for my 3 year old. The font seemed small in my ebook but i think, a print copy is more clear.
I have read many children's books to my kids but this story stands out from others. It is good that the story teaches kids to love animals.
Overall, a wonderful book for 3 to 6 year old kids.
My Rating: 4.5/5
Ps: I have received this book from the author for review and this is my honest opinion on the book.
The story is unique and unpredictable. It has good morals for the children. The narration and illustrations are good even for my 3 year old. The font seemed small in my ebook but i think, a print copy is more clear.
I have read many children's books to my kids but this story stands out from others. It is good that the story teaches kids to love animals.
Overall, a wonderful book for 3 to 6 year old kids.
My Rating: 4.5/5
Ps: I have received this book from the author for review and this is my honest opinion on the book.
January 29, 2018
I enjoyed Mayra Calvani’s latest picture book, “Mama Graciela’s Secret,” illustrated colorfully by Sheila Fein It’s a pleasing book on many levels. At first I thought the secret in the book was Mama Graciela’s special recipe for bacalaitos fritos. But soon realized the book was about another passion of Mama’s; her love for the many cats attracted to her restaurant for her famous bacalaitos fritos. Then the book became more important and personal to me. As a cat and dog lover, I was quite concerned about Mama’s many, many cats. Children will enjoy the story moving from everyday, normal life to super, exaggerated storytelling. How will Mama Graciela handle the problem of oh so many—too many—cats? The solution given in the end of the book is perfect, satisfying, and inspirational. Highly recommended for ages 5 to 7.
March 8, 2018
This story will tug at your heartstrings. It is a sweet tale of this woman’s creativity and genius in the face of tough odds. Award-winning author Mayra Calvani consistently develops wonderful stories for children and adults that you want to read over and over again. Young readers will connect well with Mamá Graciela’s love for family and cats. They will be inspired by her determination to protect her restaurant and all the cats she helps.
Illustrator Sheila Fein provided the artwork for Mamá Graciela’s Secret. The colors she uses, the tiny details–like the hearts floating around characters’ heads to show their love for the animals and each other, and the emotions she captures complement Calvani’s text perfectly. I hope they will work together again soon.
Mamá Graciela’s Secret is ideal for cat lovers and those who enjoy stories where characters triumph over obstacles.
Illustrator Sheila Fein provided the artwork for Mamá Graciela’s Secret. The colors she uses, the tiny details–like the hearts floating around characters’ heads to show their love for the animals and each other, and the emotions she captures complement Calvani’s text perfectly. I hope they will work together again soon.
Mamá Graciela’s Secret is ideal for cat lovers and those who enjoy stories where characters triumph over obstacles.
December 19, 2017
A charming little children's book. I received a pdf copy so I can't comment on the print copy.
The illustrations were delightful. I loved all the different cats. All the different cats have different and cute personalities.
Even the dogs that come around in the end are charming.
The pages are colorful.
The story is charming. When Mrs. G. realizes that she can't keep all the cats and her restaurant she has to figure out what to do.
The story has kind of a surprise ending.
I enjoyed this children's book and recommend it to parents.
This is a good book for parents to read to younger children.
I received a complimentary copy.
The illustrations were delightful. I loved all the different cats. All the different cats have different and cute personalities.
Even the dogs that come around in the end are charming.
The pages are colorful.
The story is charming. When Mrs. G. realizes that she can't keep all the cats and her restaurant she has to figure out what to do.
The story has kind of a surprise ending.
I enjoyed this children's book and recommend it to parents.
This is a good book for parents to read to younger children.
I received a complimentary copy.
February 4, 2018
Calvani's Mama Graciela's Secret is a warm, humane tale of a woman's selfless desire and sacrifice to care for cats. Calvani's story is ably supported by nice, flowing art from Sheila Fein, including many lovely double-page spreads. A message well suited for children of all ages.
December 20, 2017
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January 31, 2018Often times one discovers the most delicious food in the simplest setting. Once found it tends to be the place the locals and tourists go. Mamá Graciela’s run down shack, La Bahía, is just that place. With her loving touch of her secret recipe for scrumptious bacalaitos fritoas people gather from near and far.
Mamá Graciela’s cooking is not only a favorite of people but of cats as well. What is Mamá Graciela to do with her passion for La Bahía as well as her love for her new found large family of cats? Will she succumb to the authorities demand to shutdown La Bahía or will Mamá Graciela find another way to provide security and happiness all around?
Mayra Calvani cleverly blends the love of two passions into an endearing story of love and triumph.
Sheila Fein’s kaleidoscope illustrations catapult’s Mamá Graciela’s journey into a vibrant road of discovery.
Mamá Graciela’s cooking is not only a favorite of people but of cats as well. What is Mamá Graciela to do with her passion for La Bahía as well as her love for her new found large family of cats? Will she succumb to the authorities demand to shutdown La Bahía or will Mamá Graciela find another way to provide security and happiness all around?
Mayra Calvani cleverly blends the love of two passions into an endearing story of love and triumph.
Sheila Fein’s kaleidoscope illustrations catapult’s Mamá Graciela’s journey into a vibrant road of discovery.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews