When Maribel's family has to move in with Tiá Carmen because Papi lost his job, Maribel and her sister feel unsettled. It's not always easy sharing a room or being in a house full of loud cousins, but Papi reminds the girls that it's only por un ratito--just for a little while. In the meantime, there is always someone to play with, the mealtimes are filled with music and laughter, and bedtime is for snuggling in tight.

Spanish words are woven into the predominantly English text.