TRADE REVIEWS
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“An empowering tale of a youngster riding out waves of anxiety, with triumphant results.” Read the full review here.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY REVIEW
In Katona and Palacios’s story of emotional attunement, an intergenerational surfing expedition sees a youth face their anxieties. First-person narration describes a Latinx-cued child and Abuelita’s process of preparing to get into the water, as well as the mechanics of catching and riding a wave. Throughout, the protagonist expresses a deep self-awareness, with early text describing the way their anxiety physically feels (“My stomach spins and tumbles, like seaweed in a wave”). As they watch sets of waves roll in, Abuelita’s advice reassures (“Become friends with your fears, and they turn into courage”), and centering breathwork around an approaching wave gives the budding surfer the self-assurance necessary to “POP to my feet!” Employing acrylic, gouache, and digital techniques for a mottled texture, vignettes and full-page scenes visualize the character’s transformation. This work successfully conjures the way confidence crests through connection with one’s feelings. Ages 5–8. (May)
KIRKUS REVIEWS
“An ebullient celebration of family and the rituals that bring a family together.” Read the full review here.
BOOKLIST REVIEW
“Drawing upon her own childhood experiences, Katona offers a warm story of family, food, and fun . . . A wonderful celebration of culture and family, ideal for storytime or classroom reading.”
PRESS
DINNER ON DOMINGOS featured on many lists!
BLOGs
Teaching Dinner on Domingos with Rochelle Melander
Interview with Alexandra Katona, author or Dinner on Domingos
PAST EVENTS
READ ALOUD | April 23, 2022
Mission Viejo Library
Panel | December 10, 2021
La Familia: Celebrating the Family in Picture Books
Participants: Michael Genhart, Alexandra Katona, Joana Pastro, Ana Siqueira with Monica Mancillas as moderator
Description: The home and family can be an especially moving theme in picture books. We carry with us for the rest of our lives the lessons we learn as children from parents, abuelos, and other family members. With Michael Genhart (MAY YOUR LIFE BE DELICIOSA), Alexandra Katona (DINNER ON DOMINGOS), Joana Pastro (BISA'S CARNAVAL) and Ana Siqueira (BELLA'S RECIPE FOR SUCCESS). Moderated by Monica Mancillas (MARIANA IN MEXICO).