MARIA MARIPOSA

A child’s first day of school is transformed by a gift from her homeland.

Maria Mariposa, a young Mexican immigrant, is thrilled when she looks out the window and sees a butterfly: “¡Una mariposa!” She’s instantly filled with reminders of home: “the black and gold mariachis strumming silver strings, the purple of flower-heavy jacaranda trees holding nests of singing birds.” She’s determined to share her gift with family and neighbors, and she performs acts of kindness for them, sparkling trails of flowers and glitter following in her wake. As Maria boards the city bus, she shares her magic with the driver. Everyone deserves a little magic! But her magic—and confidence—falters when she arrives at school. She has trouble with English, and her classmates laugh at her. Maria encounters a few more bumps along the way, and at lunch, she finds herself alone, the magic all gone. Her loneliness seems huge, but Maria is bigger! She fights her feelings of sadness until magic blooms from within, so big and colorful that she makes a new friend—and new memories. Maria’s a delightful protagonist who faces challenges that many readers, especially young immigrants, will relate to. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout Valenti’s text, which relies on rich, tangible imagery, while the captivating art has a childlike appeal, using color to set the mood on each page.

Warm and compelling, sure to have hearts soaring.