Prohibido llorar

K-Gr 3–The dreaded day on Quiquito’s calendar has arrived. Today is the day that his dad will fly away to live in another country. The boy promised himself that he would not cry. His dad gives him a gift, and the son bravely holds back tears. Even after his mom asks him if he is OK, and even when the gift is revealed to be a hologram watch, Quiquito still doesn’t cry. It’s only when he stuffs his face into his pillow and builds a fort, that he finally sobs himself to sleep. Quiquito is awakened by his mom’s voice, saying that his dad is on the phone. The only way to hide his puffy face and red eyes is to wear a vejigante mask. As soon as he opens his hologram to see and speak to his dad, he notices that his dad has a monster filter on. When Quiquito’s dad removes the filter to reveal his own crying face, the boy finally feels comfortable enough to freely shed tears. This touching picture book is set in Puerto Rico, as evidenced by the airport signs and island palm trees. The watercolor illustrations perfectly accompany the pitch-perfect narrative. Though the tale never reveals the reason the father is moving, the feelings of loss will resonate with all kids who have been separated from loved ones. This can also be used to subtly address toxic masculinity. Readers will be hard pressed not to cry tears of their own before putting this book down. Quiquito and his father will remind children that it’s not only OK to be sad but to also share your feelings with others.