Mama and Papa Have a Store

Written and illustrated by Amelia Lau Carling

A girl's day unfolds in her parents' vibrant store, bridging cultures in Guatemala City.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 110 ratings

32 pages· 1,296 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

$11.95Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In a bustling Guatemalan city, a young girl navigates her parents' Chinese store, a vibrant hub of colors and cultures. As she listens to the blend of Spanish, Chinese, and Mayan languages, she learns about her family's past and the rich tapestry of their present. Amidst the clatter of the abacus and the chatter of customers, she finds joy in simple games with her siblings and dances to celebrate each day. What stories and secrets does this unique store hold, and how do they shape her world?

From the publisher

A young girl describes what a typical day is like in her parents’ Chinese store in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Recipient of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor in 2000.From the clip, clop of the milkman’s mule in the early morning to the clacking of her father’s abacus at night, a young girl brings us into her home, which is also her parents’ store. Located in Guatemala City, the store is filled with the colorful textures of cloth, threads, buttons, and things from her parents’ homeland in China. As people come and go throughout the day, the girl hears several languages-Spanish, Chinese, and Mayan. The Mayans buy thread for weaving in colors such as “parrot green” and “mango yellow.” The girl’s parents talk about their hometown in China, from which they emigrated, fleeing a war, years ago. The girl and her brothers and sisters make up games to play on the rooftop terrace, on the sidewalk, and in the store. After supper the girl dances to celebrate her day. Lyrical writing and delightful artwork will captivate both children and adults in this story drawn from the author/illustrator’s childhood memories.