A Flicker of Hope

Starred review from January 22, 2024
A Mexican girl waits for the return of her migrant farmworker father, whose departure parallels the migratory pattern of monarch butterflies, in this ecological tale of dual-species movement. In spring, Lucía observes as the “Monarcas perch... sleepily” just as Papá prepares to head north. Papá picks up his guitar: “Songs soothe weeping hearts,” he says while playing Lucía’s favorite tune. As the butterflies, too, pause before journeying, Papa reminds Lucía that when “the monarcas return, our winged ancestors will guide me home.” After “a million monarchs flicker magic into the sky,” the smartly twined telling follows Lucía’s community braiding baskets of “ocoxal leaves and memories,” and migrant workers, including Papá, “in search of fields, crops, and a better tomorrow.” Field and forest greens and butterfly oranges dominate the digitally finished mixed media, which feature strong, deep shades over pale washes. A glossary, author’s note, and “How Can We Help?” section conclude. Ages 4–8.