Review by Booklist Review
New Year celebrations vary around the world, and Ava Gabriela is about to learn how her family in Colombia rings in Año Nuevo. Being in a new country with unfamiliar people leaves Ava feeling painfully shy, but as she shares in the cooking and holiday preparations with her abuela, tios, tias, and primos, Ava's nervousness begins to fall away. When Cousin Pedro asks if she'd like to help him prepare the "Año Viejo," she doesn't understand what he means or why he's making a balloon doll. Pedro then explains the tradition of popping the doll at midnight to say goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new. The book's vibrant colors reflect the story's celebratory mood, and the cartoon illustrations cushion Ava's struggle with anxiety by providing friendly surroundings. By story's end, she's able to come out of her shell to play and party with her family. In an author's note, Alessandri explains her own family's Colombian New Year traditions, and a short glossary defines the Spanish words used throughout the book.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--When soft-spoken Ava Gabriela goes to visit her extended family in the countryside of Colombia, she wants to join in on the traditional New Year's festivities, but is held back by shyness. She longs to play with her cousins, but her words feel stuck. Still, she finds small ways to express herself, especially one-on-one with certain relatives who are more understanding than others. This warm #OwnVoices look at Colombian traditions, including wearing yellow underwear and eating grapes for good luck, is both universal and deeply personal. An author's note explains that these are just some of the country's many traditions, and that each family may celebrate differently; here they create and destroy an effigy of the "Año Viejo" (old year). A glossary defines the Spanish words in the text, although the use of both Spanish and English in the story always provides clear context for monolingual readers. Sonda's charming illustrations portray an idyllic finca, complete with a small clay-tiled house surrounded by cacti. Ava looks 5 or 6 years old, and has dark brown hair and light skin. The language is just as atmospheric. With ample similes and metaphors, Alessandri creates a character who is not defined by her shyness. She feels like a "little mouse," but Ava understands this is not how she wants to be. She is able to enjoy the celebration once her "voice [grows] wings." VERDICT A story about overcoming shyness in a unique storybook setting, recommended for purchase.--Clara Hendricks, Cambridge P.L., MA
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Young Ava and her parents visit her abuelita's farm to celebrate New Year's Eve with their extended familia. Shyness prevents Ava from enjoying the festivities, and she wonders why her voice hides "like a mouse in its hole." Ava's anxiety and efforts to overcome her fears should resonate with many listeners. The supportive text and welcoming illustrations include details about South American (the setting isn't specified) Ano Nuevo traditions. Alessandri's author's note discusses her Colombian family's customs. A glossary translates the Spanish words in the text. (c) Copyright 2021. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
It's New Year's Eve at Abuelita's finca, and Ava struggles to overcome her shyness. Ava is excited to cook and play with her cousins and to join in family fun on the farm during her visit. Every time she wants to speak up, though, she finds that it's much harder than she thinks it should be. Ava's mamá reassures her that "There's nothing wrong with being shy. When you're ready, your voice will come out and play," which gives Ava the confidence she needs to slowly come out of her shell. Colombian New Year's traditions, such as eating 12 grapes at midnight for 12 months of good luck, are woven into the story for an added holiday experience. Delicious Colombian foods are depicted in joyful illustrations that add even more cultural details. The story's seamless incorporation of Spanish idioms and phrases lets Spanish-speaking readers hear themselves on the pages and provides support for those interested in learning more. Shyness isn't portrayed as a negative trait, and Ava is given the space by her family members to find her voice on her own terms. Ava and her family are depicted with shades of brown skin and hair. This gentle family story lets readers know that shyness is nothing to worry about. (author's note, glossary) (Picture book. 3-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
