Precious

Written and illustrated by Carlos Aponte

*Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books

*Publication date: May 27, 2025

*Print length: 32 pages

*ISBN-10: 0593856805

*ISBN-13: 978-0593856802

*Reading age: 3 - 7 years

The heartwarming story of a boy, all the things he holds dear, and the song that inspires him when he needs it most

Sometimes hearing a song gives you all the courage you need for a day. That’s what happens to Pedrito after a hurricane howls through his neighborhood and he has to give up his rescue dog. The moment his big brother starts strumming “Preciosa,” a beautiful song about his beautiful island, Pedrito knows that somehow everything will be okay. . . .

Pura Belpré Honor winner Carlos Aponte’s love for Puerto Rico shines through his vibrant illustrations and touching story, which show the power of music and community to comfort and give strength.

Preciosa

Este es un cuento conmovedor de un niño y todas las cosas que él ama, y la canción que lo inspira cuando más la necesita.

A veces, escuchar una canción te da todo el coraje que necesitas para enfrentar el día. Eso es lo que le pasa a Pedrito cuando un huracán azota su barrio y tiene que renunciar al perro que rescata. En el momento en que su hermano mayor empieza a tocar los primeros acordes de «Preciosa», una hermosa canción sobre su hermosa isla, Pedrito sabe que todo estará bien…

El amor de Carlos Aponte por Puerto Rico, su tierra natal, se manifiesta a través de sus vibrantes ilustraciones y su conmovedora historia, que muestran el poder y la importancia de la música y la comunidad para consolar y dar fuerza.

Review

“Struggling with the absence of their patriarch, a Puerto Rican family prepares for an impending hurricane. Pedrito’s father has found work on the mainland and plans to bring the family there soon, but they miss him dearly. As they stock up on supplies and board up windows, Pedrito worries. . . . The next morning, with the storm past, he and his older brother, Juan, rescue a small dog from the rubble. Pedrito quickly bonds with the pup. . . . He’s heartbroken when she returns to her actual owner; he feels her absence—and his father’s—keenly. One night, Pedrito’s mother encourages him to sing, something he hasn’t done since his father left. The music lifts his spirits, and soon their neighbors join in, singing ‘Preciosa,’ a love letter to Puerto Rico. As time goes on, the family is reunited, with an unexpected addition. . . . Featuring appealingly stylized, long-limbed characters, the artwork uses varied angles and compositions to chart Pedrito’s believable journey through hardship while conveying the healing power of community and music. An uplifting story of resilience in the face of loss and natural disaster.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Honoring a beloved tune from Rafael Hernández Marín, Aponte crafts a resonant story that leans into themes of community care and cultural heritage.” —Publishers Weekly

“A sweet tale of a little boy who finds solace in his family, a puppy, and music in the aftermath of a hurricane in Puerto Rico. . . . The bright, digital illustrations capture the island’s vibrancy, the family’s resilience despite their hardship, and the warmth of their community. The cartoony images complement the winsome narrative, presenting the child’s fears and worries in a way that will resonate with all readers. The Puerto Rican folk song, ‘Preciosa,’ is mentioned throughout. . . . The latest offering by Pura Belpré Honor recipient Aponte will charm readers and remind them that home can be found in family, friends, community, pets, and even a song.” —School Library Journal

Carlos Aponte received a Pura Belpré Honor for Across the Bay and wrote and illustrated A Season to Bee. Carlos is a faculty member at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.