Isabel's Birthday Surprise

Description: Isabel has been dreaming of a big birthday party, but Mamá says they will have a small fiesta. Disappointments continue to pop up throughout the day, and Isabel begins to feel like it's not even her birthday. What can save the day?

Brief description: Debbie Zapata, LCSW, works as a counselor in Austin, Texas, assisting families with children who have special needs. Her stories celebrate diversity and honor her Mexican culture.

Review Quotes:

"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