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“Zapata honors the disappointment children feel when their hopes don’t align with reality while also modeling resilience and the joy that can come from flexibility. Galvez’s soft pastel hues set a gentle tone. . . . A warm and uplifting reminder that love and creativity are what make celebrations truly special.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“A helpful tool for talking about the emotions that surround special events. Isabel’s inner world is vividly illustrated, with brightly colored art swirling around her in a style reminiscent of papel picado, visually expressing her hopes and worries. A robust bilingual reader’s note provides guidance for adults, offering activities to support children’s emotional development, and includes a recipe for Mexican buñuelos. A sweet, realistic story of family, culture, and emotional resilience.”

—School Library Journal

Isabel’s Birthday Surprise

Written by Debbie Zapata
Illustrated by Gabriella Galvez
Published by Magination Press — APA

Isabel hopes all her birthday wishes will come true. She’s been dreaming of a big party full of her friends and all her family with a giant piñata and cake.

On the big day, Isabel shares her hopes with Mamá, but her mom says that they will have a small fiesta with just family this year. When Isabel tells Abuelo how every birthday needs a piñata, he explains that store-bought piñatas are expensive. Isabel starts to think that it doesn’t even feel like her birthday! Will there even be cake? Abuela reassures her there will be.

But disappointments keep popping up, and a mix-up at lunchtime spells disaster for the rest of the day. Is there anything that can save Isabel’s birthday?

For anyone who’s ever felt the pressures of having a big celebration and had to navigate the challenges and emotions that come with those expectations, Isabel is a relatable character as she learns that sometimes life surprises us and things don’t always go as planned. This heartwarming family story reminds readers of the small touches that make milestones truly special.

Primary ISBN: 9781433847509
Publication Date: October 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

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Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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