My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero. Illustrated by Zeke Peña (Kokila, 2019)

With two motorcycle helmets in hand, Daisy Ramona runs outside to greet her father—Papi—when he returns home at the end of his work day. Strong and kind, Papi greets Daisy with a huge hug. Though he’s tired, Papi has time to take his excited daughter on a motorcycle ride through the city.

As they zoom through the streets, Daisy thinks, “We become a spectacular celestial thing soaring on asphalt. A comet.” They travel past her Abuelita’s church, the local tortilleria, stray cats, neighborhood dogs, Joy’s Market, and the Grand Boulevard. Daisy is aware of the area’s history, as well as ongoing change in the community, but, more importantly, she knows that “in our little house, there are things that will always stay the same.”

My Papi Has a Motorcycleis based on author Isabel Quintero’s childhood experience of riding on her father’s motorcycle through her city, Corona, Calif.—a city established by Mexican immigrants who diligently worked in the surrounding lemon groves. This endearing children’s picture book, complemented by Zeke Peña’s energetic, light-hearted illustrations,celebrates the love, stability, and hope that a caring, emotionally present father offers a child. (Kokila)