Hungry? Can you smell the heavenly aroma of fried sweet dough dipped in cinnamon sugar? Now that you’re here, please help yourself to some warm apple-filled churros — dip yours in chocolate if you wish, and enjoy!

These crisp-on-the-outside, airy-light-on-the-inside snacks are featured in the delectable new picture book, Fridays are for Churros by Jenny Alvarado (Holiday House, 2025). Celebrating food, family, and community, this fun story warms the heart, showing how good neighbors can help renew cherished traditions and strangers can become friends.

We first learn that Emi and her Papi make churros for their entire family every Friday. Emi gathers ingredients while Papi pours oil into the pot. Together, they make the dough and fill the pastry bag. Then with a Plop, Fizz, and Sprinkle, the churros are ready, its sweet scent swirling throughout the house as the familia arrive. How they chatter and laugh! Emi loves this feeling of ‘home.’

But then Emi and Papi must move to a big city for Papi’s new job. Such a busy place full of people, but no familiar faces, and on Fridays, no churros. Papi is usually too busy working.

One day as they arrive at their apartment, Emi and Papi see and then greet their new neighbor Señora Luisa. A sweet scent swoops out from her open door, reminding Emi of the caramel she and Papi used to dip their churros in. This gives Emi an idea. She would make the churros herself!

After checking the recipe, Emi realizes she doesn’t have enough flour and sugar, and can’t find the piping tip. Could she borrow these things from Señora Luisa? Her neighbor is happy to help; she has farina but no sugar or piping tip. She suggests Emi ask Tomas in 212.

Tomas, who has two daughters Emi’s age, has sugar, but no piping tip. Maybe ask Marisol, since she often bakes delicious desserts. After inviting them all over for churros, Emi sprints over to Marisol’s apartment.

Marisol has a big collection of piping tips, one exactly the same size as Papi’s. Emi happily invites Marisol over for churros, then hears Papi calling her from downstairs. She hurries home after inviting a few more neighbors along the way.

A worried Papi reminds Emi she shouldn’t leave their apartment without telling him. She explains she wanted to surprise him and needed sugar. Before Papi can respond, there’s a KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

Señora Luisa arrives with sweet flan, then Tomas and his daughters with the sugar. Soon, other neighbors arrive, even some Emi hadn’t invited — just to welcome them to the building. Once again, Papi heats the oil, and with a Plop and Fizz, they fry the churros, then Sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar. With the familiar sweet scent swirling through the air, and new friends chattering, laughing and eating, it feels just like home again. Fridays are for churros!

The story’s scenario is a familiar one, with the emotions of moving and adjusting to a new place relatable to many kids. Readers also know that favorite comfort foods can bring people together, establishing common ground and easing transition. What better ice breaker than a sweet treat people already love?

Alvarado’s cheery digital illustrations feature a diverse set of characters who exude good will, enthusiasm, and a kind welcoming spirit. Munchkins will enjoy following the antics of Emi’s little dog from spread to spread, for he, too, must adjust to new surroundings. Luckily, their new neighbors also have pets, so by the time all have gathered for churros, Emi’s pup has happily befriended a grey cat, green bird, turtle, hedgehog and salamander.

With her curly brown hair, Emi is a likable main character, and the bond between her and Papi is quite touching. In Fridays are for Churros, we see that there are different kinds of families, including ‘found’ ones like in this story. Also, when it comes to making new friends, often it’s important to make the first move. Emi didn’t hesitate asking Señora Luisa for help.

A short glossary of Spanish words sprinkled throughout the story precedes the text to facilitate comprehension. Simply told, this delightful read aloud invites kids to chime in with the onomatopeic PLOP, FIZZ, SPRINKLE, and joyous refrain, FRIDAYS ARE FOR CHURROS!

A simple churros recipe is included. But only on Fridays? I’m guessing churros would be fantastic any day of the week. 🙂

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FRIDAYS ARE FOR CHURROS
written and illustrated by Jenny Alvarado
published by Holiday House, May 6, 2025
Fiction Picture book for ages 4-8, 40pp.
*Includes Churros Recipe

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*Interior spreads text and illustrations copyright © 2025 Jenny Alvarado, published by Holiday House. All rights reserved.

**Copyright © 2025 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.