Award-winning novelist Torrey Maldonado’s heartwarming picture book debut celebrates loving caregivers and highlights the powerful impact they can have on the life of a child.
Toby’s mom always says there are people that make you feel just right. And while his dad can be hard to please, it’s a different story with his amazing uncle. Uncle showers Toby with smiles, hugs, and kind words, and his garage is like a second home to Toby—there’s even a chair with Toby’s name on it next to Uncle’s desk! Yes, Toby can always count on Uncle to step up and make him feel just right.
“An uncle’s small but powerful actions make a boy feel celebrated and secure. . . . Throughout, Martinez’s illustrations mirror the boy’s emotions: static when something ‘doesn’t feel right,’ exuberant and full of motion when he soars. Maldonado’s story could be a useful teaching tool for children to reinforce trusting your intuition. Many will identify with Toby’s sadness as he notices broken glass and a playground under construction in his rundown neighborhood or his disappointment as Dad dismisses him. More directly, Maldonado shows adult readers ways to convey security and love to the children in their lives. He models specific strategies for making youngsters feel seen and valued. . . . An affirming story that highlights the impact secondary caregivers can make in children’s lives.” —Kirkus Reviews
Torrey Maldonado is a teacher born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he still lives. Secret Saturdays is inspired by his life and the experiences of his students.
View titles by Torrey Maldonado
Award-winning novelist Torrey Maldonado’s heartwarming picture book debut celebrates loving caregivers and highlights the powerful impact they can have on the life of a child.
Toby’s mom always says there are people that make you feel just right. And while his dad can be hard to please, it’s a different story with his amazing uncle. Uncle showers Toby with smiles, hugs, and kind words, and his garage is like a second home to Toby—there’s even a chair with Toby’s name on it next to Uncle’s desk! Yes, Toby can always count on Uncle to step up and make him feel just right.
Reviews
“An uncle’s small but powerful actions make a boy feel celebrated and secure. . . . Throughout, Martinez’s illustrations mirror the boy’s emotions: static when something ‘doesn’t feel right,’ exuberant and full of motion when he soars. Maldonado’s story could be a useful teaching tool for children to reinforce trusting your intuition. Many will identify with Toby’s sadness as he notices broken glass and a playground under construction in his rundown neighborhood or his disappointment as Dad dismisses him. More directly, Maldonado shows adult readers ways to convey security and love to the children in their lives. He models specific strategies for making youngsters feel seen and valued. . . . An affirming story that highlights the impact secondary caregivers can make in children’s lives.” —Kirkus Reviews
Torrey Maldonado is a teacher born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he still lives. Secret Saturdays is inspired by his life and the experiences of his students.
View titles by Torrey Maldonado
