Old Clothes for Dinner?!

Magaly, her brother Camilo, her mom, and her abuela live together in an apartment building. Abuela has been living with the family for a short while now; since she came over, Magaly has noticed some changes around the house and with the cooking. One night, Magaly asks Abuela what’s for dinner, and she’s told “ropa vieja,” which is Spanish for old clothes! Magaly becomes concerned that any clothes left out will end up in the cooking pot and be eaten! Can Magaly stomach the meal and eat old clothes?!

Old Clothes for Dinner?! is a funny story that incorporates American and Hispanic cultures through how we live and the foods we eat. It shows how miscommunication can easily happen, but it makes for a funny story afterward! The story has colorful illustrations that are pretty to look at.

At the end, there are recipes for Ropa vieja and Arroz con Leche, descriptions of other meals from around the world similar to ropa vieja, facts about Cuba, and Spanish words used in the story with their definitions. Kids and adults will enjoy the story because it will make you laugh and you learn something from it.