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Un trineo para Gabo (A Sled for Gabo)
The Spanish language edition of this heartwarming classic in the making about a young boy who is in a new town and doesn’t have much, but with the help of a loving community discovers the joys of his first snowy day.
¡Está nevando! Por eso, ponte tus medias más calentitas, acordónate esas botas y no te olvides de tu gorro, que nos vamos a montar en trineo.
Pero espera…oh no. ¡Gabo no tiene trineo! ¿Qué va a hacer? Con un poco de ayuda de sus cálidos y acogedores vecinos, ¡Gabo encuentra un modo de resolver el problema!
¡Está nevando! Por eso, ponte tus medias más calentitas, acordónate esas botas y no te olvides de tu gorro, que nos vamos a montar en trineo.
Pero espera…oh no. ¡Gabo no tiene trineo! ¿Qué va a hacer? Con un poco de ayuda de sus cálidos y acogedores vecinos, ¡Gabo encuentra un modo de resolver el problema!
40 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
November 25, 2021
3.5 stars. It's not everyday you see a bilingual picture book. Between his shyness and lack of a sled, Gabo is unable to play with the other kids on a snowy day. Can Gabo overcome both obstacles?
This one reminded me of the Ezra Jack Keats classic, The Snowy Day.
This one reminded me of the Ezra Jack Keats classic, The Snowy Day.
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February 18, 2021This is a wonderful book for a snowy day! Gabo longs to join the other kids sledding down the hill, but he doesn't have waterproof boots or wool socks or a sled. With a little help, Gabo will gather all the things he needs, including the courage to make a new friend. With bright, cheerful city illustrations and a warm, loving culturally diverse family pictured, this is a perfect companion to one of my all-time favorites The Snowy Day.
March 22, 2021
Title (italicize): A Sled For Gabo
Author: Emma Otheguy
Illustrator (if separate from author): Ana Ramírez González
Genre: Children’s Literature, Fiction
Theme(s): Community bonding, Friendship
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text):
“The day it snowed
Gabo followed the whistling sound
Of an old steam radiator
Into the kitchen.”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): This book has Gabo as the main character, where he constantly is comparing his items (socks, hats) are too small or not sufficient for the snow). This book uses Spanish every few pages, showing Gabo’s bilingual background. Gabo ends up meeting others who give him items to make him feel more grateful for the things he has, or gets new things.
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words): One review by Kirkus shares that this book is good for children to analyze feelings and emotions since it is a picture book. This book also can relate to other children who might be in Latinx family who use bilingualism (Spanish words throughout the book) and might have slight poverty.
Another review by Simon & Schuester shares that this book is a combination of The Snowy Day and Last Stop on Market Street. The review shares that this boy is in a new town and is able to enjoy his first snow day with the help of his community, finding the joy in the little things.
Tell Me Framework (4 sentences in your own words):
Like(s): This book was relatable for children. It can be hard for children to find the joy of snow days, especially if they don’t have much (like a sled, or weatherproof snow boots). With the support of various family members and community members, Gabo was able to make a new friend and ended up enjoying the snow day.
Dislike(s): At first, I thought Gabo was complaining to everyone and being ungrateful. After reading reviews of the book, I now understand it was because Gabo was from poverty and didn’t have as much as the other kids do.
Patterns(s): The various Spanish words within the book would help us through the thought process of Gabo and what he calls other people, like “Señora Tobón”. Each person that Gabo went to ended up giving Gabo something, and changing his negative sadness into something positive. For example- his Madrina (Godmother) gave him a plastic tray from the school cafeteria... which Gabo thought was too small but he ended up using it as a sled by the end.
Puzzle(s): The only thing that I didn’t realize was that Gabo had moved to a new area. When reading the book, I must’ve glanced over the page that said “…saw kids from his new school tugging sleds up the hill…” I also didn’t realize that poverty was a big part in Gabo’s background because that is important to realizing his background and how other students could be the same.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words):
This book would be great to read to the class if there was a new student in the class. That could help the new student feel like they can make friends easily. This book would also be great to read to a classroom that has bilingual students, so that they can feel like they understand the vocab, and even encourage the class to say the big words aloud as a class. That way the classroom environment can welcome other students’ bilingual backgrounds.
Author: Emma Otheguy
Illustrator (if separate from author): Ana Ramírez González
Genre: Children’s Literature, Fiction
Theme(s): Community bonding, Friendship
Opening line/sentence (type directly from text):
“The day it snowed
Gabo followed the whistling sound
Of an old steam radiator
Into the kitchen.”
Brief Book Summary (2-3 sentences in your own words): This book has Gabo as the main character, where he constantly is comparing his items (socks, hats) are too small or not sufficient for the snow). This book uses Spanish every few pages, showing Gabo’s bilingual background. Gabo ends up meeting others who give him items to make him feel more grateful for the things he has, or gets new things.
Response to Two Professional Reviews (3-4 sentences in your own words): One review by Kirkus shares that this book is good for children to analyze feelings and emotions since it is a picture book. This book also can relate to other children who might be in Latinx family who use bilingualism (Spanish words throughout the book) and might have slight poverty.
Another review by Simon & Schuester shares that this book is a combination of The Snowy Day and Last Stop on Market Street. The review shares that this boy is in a new town and is able to enjoy his first snow day with the help of his community, finding the joy in the little things.
Tell Me Framework (4 sentences in your own words):
Like(s): This book was relatable for children. It can be hard for children to find the joy of snow days, especially if they don’t have much (like a sled, or weatherproof snow boots). With the support of various family members and community members, Gabo was able to make a new friend and ended up enjoying the snow day.
Dislike(s): At first, I thought Gabo was complaining to everyone and being ungrateful. After reading reviews of the book, I now understand it was because Gabo was from poverty and didn’t have as much as the other kids do.
Patterns(s): The various Spanish words within the book would help us through the thought process of Gabo and what he calls other people, like “Señora Tobón”. Each person that Gabo went to ended up giving Gabo something, and changing his negative sadness into something positive. For example- his Madrina (Godmother) gave him a plastic tray from the school cafeteria... which Gabo thought was too small but he ended up using it as a sled by the end.
Puzzle(s): The only thing that I didn’t realize was that Gabo had moved to a new area. When reading the book, I must’ve glanced over the page that said “…saw kids from his new school tugging sleds up the hill…” I also didn’t realize that poverty was a big part in Gabo’s background because that is important to realizing his background and how other students could be the same.
Consideration of Instructional Application (3-4 sentences in your own words):
This book would be great to read to the class if there was a new student in the class. That could help the new student feel like they can make friends easily. This book would also be great to read to a classroom that has bilingual students, so that they can feel like they understand the vocab, and even encourage the class to say the big words aloud as a class. That way the classroom environment can welcome other students’ bilingual backgrounds.
May 27, 2021
The spiritual successor to The Snowy Day, including pocket surprises. A lovely book for Spanish-speaking kids who live in snowy climes, who may not see their reality depicted all that often. There is lots in there for kids to see themselves, and for other kids to get a glimpse of cultural customs they don't yet know. I don't know which other countries make cajeta by heating still-in-an-enclosed-can condensed milk, but my Mexican partner was just recounting a story about this the other day and it was so cool to immediately see it reflected in a book! Also, I want that after sledding now!
December 22, 2022
This bilingual picture book depicts a young boy's day in the snow and his experiences enjoying the weather even though his family doesn't own a sled or snow boots for him. The illustrations are great, and there are lots of kids who will relate to the story, but I was not impressed with the judgment that Gabo was much too shy for someone his age. Shy kids are pressured enough without getting that kind of commentary from picture book authors.
January 6, 2021
A child's simple desire warms the heart, while snowy landscapes invite wintery dreams.
It has snowed, and Gabo wants to join the other children, who are sledding down a nearby hill. But he doesn't have water proof shoes or gloves. He does have a hat, but it's too small. While his mother might be able to solve these problems, a bigger one possess a tougher challenge. Gabo doesn't have a sled, and he has no idea how to approach the children and make new friends, either.
This is such a lovely book. Firstly, the illustrations make the wintery landscape chill from the pages, while making readers wish that they could join in on the snowy fun too. The watercolors create a realistic world with many details, while still allowing the artistic beauty to come through. It's fun just to flip through the pages and learn all about Gabo, his daily surroundings, and the town.
The story is written in a way young readers can identify with and easily understand. Gabo's concerns reflect that of many kids as he searches for fitting snow clothes but finds he doesn't have any. The mother's solutions are practical (I've done some of them myself over the years), and he meets many other kind souls. The ideas of sharing and friendship sweep in naturally, and the ending leaves off with a sense of happiness. I can see listeners enjoying hearing this one again and again.
I received an ARC.
It has snowed, and Gabo wants to join the other children, who are sledding down a nearby hill. But he doesn't have water proof shoes or gloves. He does have a hat, but it's too small. While his mother might be able to solve these problems, a bigger one possess a tougher challenge. Gabo doesn't have a sled, and he has no idea how to approach the children and make new friends, either.
This is such a lovely book. Firstly, the illustrations make the wintery landscape chill from the pages, while making readers wish that they could join in on the snowy fun too. The watercolors create a realistic world with many details, while still allowing the artistic beauty to come through. It's fun just to flip through the pages and learn all about Gabo, his daily surroundings, and the town.
The story is written in a way young readers can identify with and easily understand. Gabo's concerns reflect that of many kids as he searches for fitting snow clothes but finds he doesn't have any. The mother's solutions are practical (I've done some of them myself over the years), and he meets many other kind souls. The ideas of sharing and friendship sweep in naturally, and the ending leaves off with a sense of happiness. I can see listeners enjoying hearing this one again and again.
I received an ARC.
October 13, 2021
The cheery illustrations bring the reader through this delightful story of a new kid in town, who doesn't have the right clothing, the right toys, or any friends his own age. Unfamiliar with sledding, Gabo longs to join in, but he is far too shy to introduce himself to the neighborhood children. Even when his Aunt brings him a cafeteria trey to slide on, he is disappointed, not realizing that the tray is a well known sled option. Luckily, his neighbor's friendly dog helps him get to know Isa, his neighbor's granddaughter, who shows him just how great sledding can be.
Through simple text and charming characters, A Sled for Gabo presents adapting to a new environment and making friends from the point of view of a young child. Unlike other picture book offerings, A Sled for Gabo incorporates Latinx voices and culture in a natural way. (Probably because the author and illustrator are both from the culture they are including.) It will be a great way to show my very Southern students a day in the snow. I will likely pair it with The Snowy Day for a cozy winter themed storytime.
An excellent addition for both public and school libraries.
Through simple text and charming characters, A Sled for Gabo presents adapting to a new environment and making friends from the point of view of a young child. Unlike other picture book offerings, A Sled for Gabo incorporates Latinx voices and culture in a natural way. (Probably because the author and illustrator are both from the culture they are including.) It will be a great way to show my very Southern students a day in the snow. I will likely pair it with The Snowy Day for a cozy winter themed storytime.
An excellent addition for both public and school libraries.
January 18, 2024
It is magical to watch a child experience their first snow fall (whether of the season or of their lifetime). In this book, we watch a community come together to help Gabo experience his. I was hesitant about the book—as it depicted a child of color without the proper winter gear (or a sled) which could be interpreted as poverty (although it could mean they moved from somewhere where there was no snow or that some of their items were lost during a move). However, we ultimately get to watch Gabo enjoy the snow with his friend, showing readers that he too belongs in the wintery outdoors. The takeaways focus more on the power of community, of being resourceful, and the willingness to try new things. We don’t feel sorry for Gabo, but excited for him. This book gives us the magic of Snowy Day and the subtle lesson structure of Last Stop on Market Street. There are many opportunities for discussions stemming from this book. I loved the integration of Spanish and yummy treat throughout the story. A great winter tale!
January 9, 2021
Even though he is shy and doesn't have a sled, Gabo is determined to enjoy the wonderful snowy day outside.
This cheerful and brightly colored book shows a snow-day in the life of Gabo, who has tan brown skin and brown hair, and speaks both Spanish and English with his Mami. Surrounded by friendly and generous community members, Gabo figures out how to get dressed for the cold weather, worries about talking with the other kids his age, and eventually gets to sled down the snowy hill near his house on a sled of his very own (a cafeteria tray gifted to him by his Tio's friend Madrina). A wonderful, cozy, cheerful book about both honoring your boundaries and pushing yourself to try new things.
Themes: Snow, Friends, Try New Things
Age range: Toddler and preschool
This cheerful and brightly colored book shows a snow-day in the life of Gabo, who has tan brown skin and brown hair, and speaks both Spanish and English with his Mami. Surrounded by friendly and generous community members, Gabo figures out how to get dressed for the cold weather, worries about talking with the other kids his age, and eventually gets to sled down the snowy hill near his house on a sled of his very own (a cafeteria tray gifted to him by his Tio's friend Madrina). A wonderful, cozy, cheerful book about both honoring your boundaries and pushing yourself to try new things.
Themes: Snow, Friends, Try New Things
Age range: Toddler and preschool
January 24, 2021
Age: Preschool-1st grade
Emotion: Shy
Identity, author: Borinqueno/Puerto Rican American
Tough Issue: Poverty
Gabo sees neighborhood children playing outside in the snow but is too shy to go play with them and he doesn't have the proper gear to play in the cold, wet snow. Bundling him up with layers and tying bags on his feet, Gabo's mama sends him outside. Gifted with a cafeteria tray as a sled and welcomed by a friendly girl, Gabo finds delight in the cold winter's day.
While the reader is presented with a low-income family--an important mirror and window for all children--the driving force of this story is Gabo's shyness around kids his age, a relatable feeling for many children, and his ultimate triumph when a bubbly girl shows him how to slide down a hill on the tray.
Emotion: Shy
Identity, author: Borinqueno/Puerto Rican American
Tough Issue: Poverty
Gabo sees neighborhood children playing outside in the snow but is too shy to go play with them and he doesn't have the proper gear to play in the cold, wet snow. Bundling him up with layers and tying bags on his feet, Gabo's mama sends him outside. Gifted with a cafeteria tray as a sled and welcomed by a friendly girl, Gabo finds delight in the cold winter's day.
While the reader is presented with a low-income family--an important mirror and window for all children--the driving force of this story is Gabo's shyness around kids his age, a relatable feeling for many children, and his ultimate triumph when a bubbly girl shows him how to slide down a hill on the tray.
February 20, 2021
Like the description, it's a nice mix of The Snowy Day and Last Stop on Market Street.
The book follows Gabo, a boy who is doesn't seem to have very much. He is missing lots of snow gear and doesn't have a sled but his Mami and others help him problem solve to make do with what he has. he is also pretty painfully shy but ends up making a friend thanks to a doggy matchmaker.
A cute book while also tackling a tough issue.
The book follows Gabo, a boy who is doesn't seem to have very much. He is missing lots of snow gear and doesn't have a sled but his Mami and others help him problem solve to make do with what he has. he is also pretty painfully shy but ends up making a friend thanks to a doggy matchmaker.
A cute book while also tackling a tough issue.
January 14, 2022
Gabo sees neighborhood children playing outside in the snow but is too shy to go play with them and he doesn't have the proper gear to play in the cold, wet snow. Bundling him up with layers and tying bags on his feet, Gabo's mama sends him outside. Gifted with a cafeteria tray as a sled and welcomed by a friendly girl, Gabo finds delight in the cold winter's day.
While the reader is presented with a low-income family--an important mirror and window for all children--the driving force of this story is Gabo's shyness around kids his age, a relatable feeling for many children, and his ultimate triumph when a bubbly girl shows him how to slide down a hill on the tray.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
While the reader is presented with a low-income family--an important mirror and window for all children--the driving force of this story is Gabo's shyness around kids his age, a relatable feeling for many children, and his ultimate triumph when a bubbly girl shows him how to slide down a hill on the tray.
Reviewed by: Miss Kelsey, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
February 28, 2021
It snowed where Gabo lives, but he doesn't have the right clothes or a sled to go out and play, so Mami helps him put plastic bags over his sneakers, and he wears his Papi's hat. Now, to find a sled!
Such a happy little boy, and what fun he is having in the snow. Although he is too shy to meet his neighbor's granddaughter, or ask to play with the other kids, the storm brings friends together anyway and he has a great day. Ana Ramirez Gonzalez's illustrations are bright and sweet. A perfect book to share on a snowy day. Also available in Spanish.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
Such a happy little boy, and what fun he is having in the snow. Although he is too shy to meet his neighbor's granddaughter, or ask to play with the other kids, the storm brings friends together anyway and he has a great day. Ana Ramirez Gonzalez's illustrations are bright and sweet. A perfect book to share on a snowy day. Also available in Spanish.
Cross posted to https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
December 23, 2022
A total delight with cheery settings and heart-pulling moments showing hesitance, warm care, and uplifting exhiliration, A SLED FOR GABO is a story sure to warm you up! The bilingual immersion captures much love and support throughout the text, for a quiet yet compelling MC who embarks on a just-right, in due time journey. Written with lovely, layered language and resourceful elements for the arc, this story hits home in so many ways—especially for showing how it can take a village to share and spread the warmest care, and it is okay to take the time you need to do things your way. A very heartwarming read!
January 30, 2026
Retro, a comfort read for those of us who loved such as White Snow, Bright Snow,The Snowy Day, and Hide and Seek Fog. But up-to-date because it also reflects more interest in immigration stories. Awfully sweet & joyful.
February 1, 2021
New to his town, Gabo looks out his window at his first snowy day ever. He sees a hill perfect for sledding but unfortunately, he doesn’t have a sled. He shyly makes the rounds with his neighbors to see if anyone might have one he can borrow. Unfortunately, Gabo’s not having much luck finding a sled, but Tío Tim, Madrina and his new friend Isa just might have a clever solution for him! In fact, his day seems to be getting sweeter by the hour but the best surprise just might be waiting for him at home in his kitchen. An absolutely charming wintry but warm tale of friendship and community!
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February 14, 2021Gabo is so excited for the snow, but he doesn't have all of the clothes and toys the other kids from his new school have. His socks aren't wool, and his shoes aren't waterproof, but his Mami helps him figure out ways to make what they have stretch. But, even once he is outside, Gabo still doesn't have a sled of his own. Can someone in his neighborhood help?
A fun, family-filled story that touches on childhood shyness and socio-economic realities while telling a story of a boy who just wants to play in the snow. An adorable winning book that begs to be snuggled with on a cold winter day.
A fun, family-filled story that touches on childhood shyness and socio-economic realities while telling a story of a boy who just wants to play in the snow. An adorable winning book that begs to be snuggled with on a cold winter day.
March 22, 2021
My 3.5 year old is enjoying this one and I think it's a hit as well. Love the representation of a busy neighbourhood with lots of people knowing eachother in different ways. This does a great job of showing that Gabo doesn't have things (whether an income issue, or from just having moved, or any other reason) like a sled and winter boots, but presenting that in a matter of fact way rather than a way that evokes sympathy or pity. Great wintry story about community and definitely comes through as Own Voices
December 14, 2021
Picture book. Gabo is excited about the snow day, but isn't quite prepared. He doesn't have warm socks or boots, a hat that fits, or a sled. But Mami helps him find warm enough clothes and sends him out to play. He happily plays with the neighborhood outdoor cat, but feels too shy to approach the other kids with no sled. Soon he finds himself with a sled from a surprising place and also finds a neighbor's granddaughter to share it with. A cute slice of life story featuring Hispanic characters, reading this story makes me want to cuddle up with some homemade dulce de leche.
January 31, 2022
This is a super cute story about a little boy's experience in his community during a snow day. Gabo meets many people (and pets!) and must overcome his shyness to make a new friend and have fun in the snow. A really nice touch in the story was how his mami bundled him up in several layers of socks and plastic bags around his feet to keep the damp out. It really made me nostalgic for playing in the snow when I was young. This book was brought to my attention as the January pick for the Read Across America picture book.
October 4, 2023
I thought this book was a great book for the winter time for students. it involves sledding, which lots of kids love, and it shows building snowmen, drinking warm drinks, and very fun things to do in winter. The main theme for this book though, is to share and to learn to come out of your shell. Gabo goes around asking many people for sleds, only to realize he already had something that could work as a sled. So he learns to share that, and to play with kids his own age. This would be good for students PreK-2nd grade, and i would read it in the winter time.
January 16, 2021
A young boy watches as kids from school sled down the hill outside his house. Gabo doesn’t have a sled. Nor does he have wool socks or waterproof boots. But his mother helps to get him ready for the outside with extra pairs of socks and plastic bags and a hat that fits better. But he still doesn’t have a sled. Could he trade a piece of candy for a ride down on someone else’s sled, but Gabo is too shy to ask.
January 30, 2021
I really loved everything about this book. A little boy, from a very humble family, wants to go sledding but doesn't have a sled. An unexpected gift from his aunt and making a new friend bring brand new adventures in unusual ways. This book has some Spanish although it is mostly in English and beautiful illustrations that are a joy to just sit and look at. I loved the story and the sweet message.
March 11, 2021
Gabo doesn't have boots or his own hat, but his mother helps him venture out into the snow anyway. Gabo asks adult friends if they have a sled he can borrow, but they don't. Instead, they encourage him to be brave and go make friends anyway. It's not until he receives a unique gift that Gabo forgets his shyness and plays with the other children in the snow.
This is a book rich with language, vivid descriptions, and Spanish/English words and phrases.
This is a book rich with language, vivid descriptions, and Spanish/English words and phrases.
August 24, 2022
A cute book about a child who has recently moved to where there is snow. He may not have the "proper" equipment for the weather but that doesn't mean he can't improvise and still go out to have some fun! As someone who, as a child, would occasionally wear grocery bags on my feet when visiting my grandparents in Pennsylvania to play in the snow and, as someone who has actually used a lunch tray as a sled, I could relate to this book. :)
October 14, 2024
The author Emma Otheguy, "A Sled For Gabo", is a book that would be great for 5-8 years of age. The plot of the book, shows that Gabo's mom used creativity when Gabo could not afford waterproof boots, a hat like other children, and Gabo was given a cooking tray for a sled. It is showing children that when you do not have what other children can afford, get creative and build something that is close, until you able to get the real thing.
January 29, 2021
"But I am making guava jam on toast for Isa, my granddaughter who is coming over to visit. Isa is just your age. Why don't you stay a while?"
"No gracias," said Gabo, who was much too shy for anyone just his age.
Yes, I can still feel exactly how awkward it was when adults tried to fix you up with friends "just your age."
"No gracias," said Gabo, who was much too shy for anyone just his age.
Yes, I can still feel exactly how awkward it was when adults tried to fix you up with friends "just your age."
January 30, 2021
I'm *loving* how there's been an increase in Latinx rep in picture books and how Spanish is slowly being sprinkled into English narratives. Gabo doesn't have a sled or boots or other winter items that his classmates own to enjoy the winter weather so his mother provides some creative alternatives. Gabo's mother and her ingenuity reminded me a lot of my own mother 💖
February 1, 2021
Young Gabo longs to join the crowd of kids sledding down the nearby hill, but he doesn't have a sled. What he does have, however, are some very kind and resourceful neighbors who help him find the courage to join the fun and make a new friend.
Spanish words/phrases are scattered throughout this sweet, slice-of-life story.
Spanish words/phrases are scattered throughout this sweet, slice-of-life story.
February 5, 2021
This is a winner! I love how this book perfectly captured Gabo's day, showing his shyness and watching him slowly open up. I really appreciated the Spanish words sprinkled throughout, easy to understand in context, even if you don't know exactly what they mean. Charming illustrations manage to make the snow day a bright and lovely affair. This is a perfect book for the winter season.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews