No More Señora Mimí

From Newbery Medalist Meg Medina, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, comes a poignant salute to the caregivers who enter a child’s tender world.

Ana cannot contain her excitement—her abuela is coming to stay with her and Mami for always! Abuela is sure to let Ana play whenever she wants instead of rushing her off to school, like her neighbor and babysitter, señora Mimí, sometimes does. In fact, as Ana’s classmate points out, she won’t need señora Mimí to babysit at all anymore! But señora Mimí is a good listener, and they have a lot of fun together feeding the squirrels and eating snacks. Maybe Ana isn’t ready to say goodbye to señora Mimí just yet? Masterful storyteller Meg Medina shares a reassuring tale that celebrates caregivers and community and their special role in children's lives, paired with warm, expressive illustrations by Brittany Cicchese.

Meg Medina is the Library of Congress’s 2023–2024 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and the author of the Newbery Medal–winning book Merci Suárez Changes Gears. She is also the author of award-winning young adult novels and picture books, including Evelyn Del Rey Is Moving Away, illustrated by Sonia Sánchez; Mango, Abuela, and Me, illustrated by Angela Dominguez, which was a Pura Belpré Author and Illustrator Award Honor Book; and Tía Isa Wants a Car, illustrated by Claudio Muñoz, which won the Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award. The daughter of Cuban immigrants, she lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Brittany Cicchese is an artist and writer with over eight years of experience working in public libraries. Apart from creating, she enjoys connecting people with stories, exploring the Rocky Mountains, and browsing every new picture book at her local library. Brittany Cicchese lives with her family in Denver, Colorado

Newbery medalist Medina’s text gently but directly examines a challenging childhood transition, while Cicchese’s illustrations, bathed in fall hues of yellow, orange and brown, bring a cozy feeling to the book.
—The Washington Post

In this compassionate work, a relationship whose nuances Ana hadn’t truly considered holds the key to her consolation.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A compassionate consideration of caregivers, Medina’s careful, playful text blends spare dialogue with telling details that, piece by piece, build up Ana’s tender friendship with señora Mimí. . . . Cicchese’s artwork boasts a rich palette of warm shades of yellows, oranges, and browns. . . . An affectionate shoutout to sitters.
—Kirkus Reviews

In a simple story, Medina has crafted a perfect read for children struggling with transition who are needing a sweet, soothing way to engage with the concept.
—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Warmth is displayed on every page.
—Booklist (Starred Review)