Pepita Meets Bebita by Ruth Behar (review)

Reviewed by: Pepita Meets Bebita by Ruth Behar Amanda Toledo Behar, Ruth Pepita Meets Bebita; written by Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar; illus. by Maribel Lechuga. Knopf, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593566985 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593567005 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 2-5 yrs Pepita, a small and peppy schnauzer-appearing dog, is the beloved "bebita" (baby) of the household, so she is used to getting all the treats from Abuelo and Abuela and all the "cariño" (affection) from Mami and Papi. She's therefore quite perplexed at the mention of some other bebita as her mom's belly grows and gifts of a handmade quilt and tiny clothing appear. Once the new bebita comes home, Pepita is cautiously [End Page 49] curious, still feeling unnoticed despite taking on tasks of watching over the bebita all night and fetching little hats gleefully tossed from strollers. Pepita's grand opportunity arises when she's gifted a brand new, fluffy doggy bed, and though it's perfect for luxuriating in, she offers her bed to the squalling new baby, an act that magically calms the bebita's tears. Lechuga's digital illustrations offer a soothing overall energy; sponge-like textures, along with soft earth tones and pastels, give the story a homey feeling. All the family members have a warmth in both their interactions and facial expressions, and the beleaguered Pepita has expressive eyebrows, cuing viewers to her curiosity, irritation, affection, and chagrin. Even the endpapers offer a chance at discussion, as the framed family photos change with the story's conclusion. Pepita makes an excellent (and adorable) stand-in for new big siblings of the human variety, who might also be wrestling with the challenges of losing the spotlight and reveling in the reward of a sweet, new, babbling, giggling friend. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois