Tales told between generations help build understanding. . . . In this sweet family history, the children discover that the roots of their future are deeply intertwined with the stories of those who came before them. Melodic text incorporates Spanish phrases throughout. . . . Mixed-media illustrations meld past and present with bright colors, swirling lines, and playful artistic elements. A touching reminder that the stories of our ancestors light the way for generations to come.
—Kirkus Reviews
A powerful and poetic combination of English and Español that celebrates familia and the immigrant experience.
—Duncan Tonatiuh, author-illustrator of Diego Rivera: His World and Ours, a Pura Belpré Medal Winner
A beautiful intergenerational story of hope, courage, and love in the search for a vida mejor for those who will come after. Both the words and the stunning art in this book will open the heart of every reader.
—Ruth Behar, author of Tía Fortuna’s New Home
Not Far from Here is a gentle ode to family, identity, and the people and places that shape us. Armendia-Sánchez’s lyrical bilingual text and Holzwarth’s softly glowing illustrations bubble with warmth, like a pot simmering in abuela’s cozy cocina. The book reminds us that when we hold our memories and loved ones close, our comunidad isn’t lost—but only replanted.
—Anika Aldamuy Denise, author of Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré, a Pura Belpré Honor Book
Nydia and Devon have weaved together a work of art, each line and each stroke infused in the richness that only third-culture children everywhere have. It makes you both long for home and crave the future, drawing a beautiful balance difficult to achieve, in much-needed paper form.
—Erika Meza, author-illustrator of To the Other Side
This beautifully illustrated picture book tells a heartwarming story about the experiences and bumps in the road of those who leave their home countries to find a place where they can grow and bring out the best in them.
—Flavia Z. Drago, author-illustrator of Gustavo, the Shy Ghost
Not Far from Here is a poignant and heartfelt story of a young Latinx/Latine family, sharing memories with their children of; generational origins, solo migrations, new beginnings, challenging work, earnest connections, and family love. It is a journey where we find themes of openness, inclusion, hope, and courage. Beautifully portrayed, each illustrated scene brims with color, showcasing creativity and a sense of wonder. It is an exquisite compliment of story and art showcasing a wonderfully shared yet personal experience of love, inspiration, and home.
—John Parra, illustrator of Frida Kahlo, a Pura Belpré Honor Book
A long warm hug lleno de amor.
—Ernesto Cisneros, author of Efren Divided, a Pura Belpré Medal Winner
A beautiful book that is a window into journeys, dreams, love—and an invitation to share our own experiences with our families.
—Raúl the Third, author-illustrator of ¡Vamos! Let’s Cross the Bridge, a Pura Belpré Medal Winner
Not Far from Here is a beautifully written and illustrated meditation on family, migration, and storytelling itself. Children will enjoy this sweet intergenerational story of hard work, belonging, and love—near or far from the places we once called home.
—Monica Brown, author of Frida Kahlo, a Pura Belpré Honor Book
Not Far from Here beautifully captures the essence of family. Where you come from is important, and as mamá tells the story of papá’s journey, we are reminded that our origins shape not only our past but our present. While Nydia Armendia-Sanchez paints a vivid portrait of the sights, sounds, and flavors of papá’s homeland and family, Devon Holzwarth’s richly colored illustrations breathe life into the characters and settings, and take us along this beautiful journey. In the end Nydia shows us the importance of embracing our differences, breaking barriers, and sharing our stories so that we too can inspire others.
—Tania de Regil, author-illustrator of There’s Something About Grandma
Readers will keep Nydia Armendia-Sánchez’s melodic debut Not Far from Here close to their hearts. Through text flowering with Spanish words and phrases and dreamy illustrations by Devon Holzwarth, both creators paint a beautiful multigenerational immigrant story of love. A mom snuggles her children in her lap as she speaks of how her husband grew up abroad, how he followed his dreams to the United States, and how they finally met. Grown up readers will want to snuggle up with their children and share their own origin stories. In concert, Sánchez’s lovely lyrical storytelling and Holzwarth’s breathtaking art transport the reader back in time and home again, linking past and present with pride.
—NoNieqa Ramos, author of Your Mama
Not Far from Here weaves vibrant color and language into a heartwarming story about the people and places that make us. It’s a celebration of passing down cuentos from one generation to the next, brought to life by glowing illustrations on every page.
—Zeke Peña, illustrator of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Book My Papi Has a Motorcycle
Exploring immigration, creativity, and community, this is a heartfelt bilingual story that echoes many real-life histories of second and third generations of Latine families. Featuring warm, rich illustrations, the book also includes a Spanish glossary for better reading comprehension and language learning.
—HipLatina
In this beautiful picture book, two children ask Mamá to tell them a story, and she tells them about their Papá, who moved from a place not far from here where he lived in a casa with their abuelitos and spoke a different language. Learning English was hard, and being away from family was hard, and some mocked him, but some people also welcomed him, and he found a home, eventually meeting Mamá. The text is lyrical and infused with Spanish words. The illustrations are warm and cozy. A glossary of the Spanish phrases used in the book is included.
—The Kids Are All Right
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