Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa
Review posted January 26, 2026.
Roaring Brook Press, 2025. 40 pages.
Review written January 23, 2026, from a library book.
Starred Review
2026 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner
I checked out this book because it was listed on Horn Book Magazine's Calling Caldecott blog as a possible contender for the Caldecott Medal (which will be announced on Monday, January 26). And wow! I'd be delighted if it shows up as an honoree (even if my personal favorite is still Cat Nap, by Brian Lies).
Edited on January 26 to add: Hooray! Today this book won the Robert F. Sibert Medal for most distinguished informational book for children! (I'm a little sad Cat Nap didn't show up in the awards - but very happy about this one.)
This is a picture book biography, and the illustrations, done by a previous Caldecott honoree, are wonderful, making us feel like the featured Alberto Salas is a friendly uncle, foraging through a beautiful countryside.
But his story is also amazing. Alberto Salas was on a decades-long quest to find wild potatoes (papas) in the Andes mountains of Peru before they were gone. Since he was from the mountains himself and spoke both Spanish and Quecha, he could ask locals for help and was better than anyone else at finding specimens.
Alberto brings specimens to the International Potato Center genebank.
Scientists study each papa's superpowers and create new varieties that can grow everywhere, from salty swamps to icy mountain peaks, maybe even one day on Mars.
But potatoes are under threat. Temperatures are rising, bringing insects and diseases that devour them.
Alberto's goal is to find them all - and protect them - before they're lost for good.
The main story is told simply, explaining the importance of these potatoes and Alberto's skill. Then eight pages of back matter fill in details.
And have you guessed? "Paka Paka" is hide-and-seek. Alberto keeps a playful spirit and plays hide-and-seek with the native potatoes - and everyone wins.