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JUST RIGHT

Teresa Martinez Torrey Maldonado

Toby can always count on his amazing uncle to step up and make him feel loved.
Toby's mom always says there are people that make you feel just right. And while his dad can be hard to please, it's a different story with his uncle. Uncle showers Toby with smiles, hugs, and kind words, and his garage is like a second home to Toby - there's even a chair with Toby's name on it next to Uncle's desk! Yes, Toby can always count on Uncle to make him feel just right.

Torrey Maldonado's heartwarming picture book celebrates loving caregivers and highlights the powerful impact they can have on the life of a child.

Torrey Maldonado is a teacher born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, where he still lives. Secret Saturdays is inspired by his life and the experiences of his students.

Teresa Martínez has illustrated numerous children's books, including My Ciudad Sings (by Cynthia Harmony), Duck Duck Taco Truck (by Laura Lavoie), Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla (by Diana Lopez), Playing at the Border: A Story of Yo-Yo Ma (by Joanna Ho), It's Not a Bed, It's a Time Machine (by Mickey Rapkin), and The Halloween Tree (by Susan Montanari). She lives in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
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Published 2026-01-20 by Nancy Paulsen Books

Comments

An affirming story that highlights the impact secondary caregivers can make in children's lives. Read more...

A child navigates relationships that feel "just right" in this reassuring picture book that foregrounds dynamics difficult and easeful.Martínez's slick digital cartoons emphasize Toby's contrasting emotional experiences, and while Maldonado's emphasis on feeling 'right' is never defined, it's a concept poised to offer readers a pathway toward self-attunement. Read more...

Four Questions for Torrey Maldonado Read more...

A powerful story about the impact of positive role models, this title is a strong choice for collections exploring family dynamics, resilience, and the many ways children find unconditional love.

A Just Right Q&A with Torrey Maldonado Read more...

What Gives Torrey Maldonado Hope Read more...