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“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

María Mariposa

Written by Karla Arenas Valenti
Illustrated by Ana Ramírez González
Published by Chronicle Books

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?

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.

TIMELY, REASSURING MESSAGE: This sweet story offers an inspiring, reassuring message, just right for kids facing the first day of school or a big move.

TEACHES SELF-LOVE AND EMPATHY: This book emphasizes the importance of courage, empathy, and friendship. Young readers will be encouraged to embrace new challenges with resilience and a strong sense of their own self-worth.

A STORY OF IMMIGRATION AND TRANSITION: This beautiful, lightly bilingual picture book speaks to the experiences of children who have moved or immigrated. A rich celebration of Mexican immigrant identity, it will resonate with any reader going through a time of transition and change.

Primary ISBN: 9781797207933
Publication Date: July 2024
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant

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

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