Surprising companionship in the storm
Review of "Lupita's Hurricane Palomitas" by Alexandra Alessandri.
Lupita’s Hurricane Palomitas
Alexandra Alessandri
Illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk
Beaming Books, 2024
Based on the true story of author Alexandra Alessandri’s experiences with her family on Sept. 9, 2017, when Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida, this comforting children’s picture book relates how young Lupita and her family prepare for the storm’s onslaught. (Readers may now come to this book with images of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, two recent and devastating U.S. storms, fresh in their minds).
Just when all is battened down and the winds are screaming, Lupita’s puppy, Lucky, runs to the door, barking and jumping, obviously distressed. When Lupita follows Lucky outside, she discovers two baby palomitas – doves – under a palm tree. She tries to shoo them away to safety, but the palomitas won’t move. Just then, Lupita’s father yells for her to get into the house. She snatches up the palomitas and runs to safety with Lucky by her side.
Lupita and her parents create a lovely nest for the palomitas. When Lupita is overcome with fear by the storm’s intensity, her parents help her to focus on her surprising companions and encourage her to keep busy by singing, playing board games, and baking hurricane cupcakes. Soon the hurricane sirens blare and the family hunkers down in a closet, and Lupita holds her fragile charges.
When the storm is over, Lupita joins her community in cleaning up. As she works, she keeps her eyes to the sky looking for Mama Paloma – the mother dove – to return in search of her young. And right before sunset, she returns.
Illustrator Anastasiya Kanavaliuk’s emotive artwork, which captures Lupita’s fear, hope and joy, complements author Alexandra Alessandri’s moving narrative. Christian adults who share this book with children can reassure them that God promises to always remain with his children through every storm.
