Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!

Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela! 
Written by Alexandra Alessandri
Illustrated by Addy Rivera Sona
Published by Albert Whitman & Company, October, 2020

Review
Did you celebrate the New Year? Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela! is a picture book that we have read more than once this past week - it is a relatable story that happens to include New Year celebrations. Young Ava Gabriela visits her grandparents' farm but is intimidated by speaking with her extended family. Over the course of two days, she accepts her shyness, says a few words, and engages in play with her cousins. Reflective and reserved readers will be affirmed, appreciating the gentle treatment by most of Ava Gabriela's family and considering how a booming uncle's friendly overtures allow Ava Gabriela to see past his vocal volume to the kindness beneath. The characters are all, in fact, likable.

Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela! is a cozy story of family and the acceptance of personality differences, particularly of children who may feel shy around family. And it's bilingual, with Spanish words integrated throughout. T was using context clues* to understand new words like finca (farm), but we had to use the glossary to look up some like colibri (hummingbird). As someone with no Spanish knowledge, I would have appreciated a pronunciation guide in the back.

When I suggested using context clues, actually, he said, "Mom, I was already doing that," with a tone suggesting that I am the dumbest person in the world. I was pretty pleased, to tell the truth. You rock, Ms. Grade 1 Teacher (I'll claim some credit too)!

Note: A review copy was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are our own.


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