'Menudo Sunday'

Acclaimed author, María Dolores Águila and award-winning illustrator Erika Meza share a joyful story that celebrates Mexican culture, teaches young readers to count, and brings smiles to everyone who listens.

"Menudo Sunday" (Dial, on sale Aug. 5, 2025) is exuberant, funny, and tender, and it might even leave readers with a craving for menudo!

Sundays are the best: that’s when a little girl, her mamá, abuelitos, tías, and primos gather together to share a delicious bowl of menudo, a traditional Mexican soup.

But when playtime with the cousins and family dogs gets a little too wild and Abuelito Esteban’s special bowl of menudo breaks, the whole family has to pitch in to make a new batch!

Through the chaos of menudo mishaps and sneaky snacks for perritos with wagging tails, young readers will giggle as they learn to count from 1 to 15 in both Spanish and English, with Spanish words sprinkled throughout the story.

"Menudo Sunday" includes bonus materials at the back of the book: a glossary of Spanish words, a note from the author, and tips for hosting your own Menudo Sunday!

While the story focuses on teaching young readers to count, it also emphasizes the importance of queer representation, one of the ways "Menudo Sunday" brings more inclusive and diverse narratives to the forefront.

With vibrant illustrations and a heartwarming celebration of family and food, "Menudo Sunday" is sure to be a hit, even long after readers have mastered counting from 1 to 15.

Reviews:

“Pull up a chair, grab a bowl of menudo, and join in this beloved family tradition. As warm and welcoming as menudo con la familia.” – Kirkus Reviews

“A delightful family story that also serves as a bilingual counting book. The abuelitos are a loving couple who warmly welcome their family to a celebration of love and connection; the counting and addition of ¬well-chosen and highly supported Spanish is a bonus.” – School Library Journal