About
A gift from Mexico alights on María Mariposa’s windowsill on her first day of school in a brand-new country: “¡Una mariposa!” / “A butterfly!” And with the butterfly, in comes magic. Filled from her toes to her new butterfly wings with memories of home, María knows exactly who she is. But when everything at school is different and strange, doubt begins to make María’s confidence fade away. The place she comes from, the community she loves, the magic inside her . . . does any of it really belong in her new life in the United States?
With courage and compassion, this picture book confronts the most difficult moments—and feelings—of being new, sweeping readers up in a powerful celebration of the magic we each contribute to the world.
Art direction and design by Jill Turney
Additional developmental editing by Daria Harper
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
Acclaim
“Valenti’s writing sprinkles in Spanish at perfect moments, cementing María’s sense of self. Come for the simple but important story of strength in cultural roots, stay for the gentle magic in the pictures, bursting with color and framing the ordinary world as something brighter, better. Immigration and individualism in one gorgeous package.” —School Library Journal
“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.” —Kirkus Reviews
⟡ ⟡ ⟡
Availability
Chronicle / BookShop / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million / Amazon
For best practices against capitalism, please order from an independent bookstore or check out books from your local library whenever possible. (And whenever you support queer- and BIPOC-owned bookstores, know that I am sending extra love and appreciation your way.)
