Tomas and the Magic Race Cars

Then one day Tomás’s mama tells him that they will be moving to an apartment—but his papa will not be coming with them; his parents are getting a divorce. Tomás is very unhappy about this turn of events, but things become even more troubling when his mama later tells Tomás that a man named Roger, her new boyfriend, will be moving into their new small apartment with them. Tomás soon discovers that the man named Roger yells a lot and likes to make rules that control Tomás’s life, like insisting that Tomás no longer speak Spanish.

The one bright spot that remains in Tomás’s life is that he still gets to spend every day with his abuelos when his mama is at work. And that means he can still visit his abuelo’s best friend, Señor García, who lives in a magical house, and he can still play with his race car set, which also is magical.

Author Ramón Mesa Ledesma has a gift for understanding children’s feelings and the way they see the world. His heartwarming portrayal of Tomás’s relationship with his grandparents and parents will speak to children and adults alike. His characters are authentic and believable, and his enchanting story, enhanced by his use of Spanish words throughout the book, is one of hope and joy. Tomás and the Magic Race Cars will delight young children with its vivid, colorful images, as well as inspiring them with its important message: “Follow what you love. There is magic in what you love.”