Having been the youngest sister of three I know the struggle it is to watch older siblings be good at things and to wonder why I wasn't and what I was good at. Today I'm sharing a multicultural book about just this and needless to say I related to it!! The book is Bella's Recipe for Success by Ana Siqueira and illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez.
From the Publisher:
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.Bella wants to find out what she's good at. But she quits everything she (barely) tries because she's a disaster at it. Her somersaults are like clumsy jirafas rolling downhill, her piano playing like elephant feet. When she decides to learn how to bake with her wise old abuela, her first attempt at dulce de leche frosting looks like scaly cocodrilo skin. She must learn it's okay to try again or she won't be good at anything. Peppered with Spanish vocabulary and set in an intergenerational Latinx home, Bella's Recipe for Success will show all kids the value of practicing to learn a new skill, and that it's okay to make mistakes along the way.
A recipe for Polvorones con Dulce de Leche is included at the back of the book so kids can have fun making their own.
From Me:
As I said in my introduction as the youngest I can totally relate to Bella. This story deals with something I think most kids go through. It is about discovering one's own talents and learning that even if it is a talent it takes practice and lots of practice. The story's overall message is wonderful and everyone will relate to it. However intertwined in the story is also the Latinx culture. There are Spanish words as well as the cookie recipe in the back of the book. I love how the culture is there just as part of the story without being so in your face.
The illustrations in the book are absolutely wonderful. They are well done and add to the story. I have not tried the recipe yet, but want to because it sounds delicious. You can download the recipe and some Spanish flashcards here. I love the idea of Bella finding her talent in the kitchen. It is something I feel many younger kids work at with their families so it seems like the perfect place for her to learn and practice. I hope you will check out this book! It is wonderful.
