Tag: Mexican Author

Activity and Coloring Sheets, Children's Literature (Ages Birth - 7), Picture Books/Easy Books (Ages 3 and up) (Fiction), Reviews

Review: Leila, The Perfect Witch by Flavia Z. Drago

BentenShisho

Drago, Flavia Z. (2022). Leila, The Perfect Witch. Candlewick Press.

*Downloadable activity sheets at the end of this post!

Leila Hayward was known “far and wide” as a fantastically talented wish. From her flying, to shape-shifting, she was the best.

And was known as the best pumpkin carver, too!

But what she really wanted, more than anything, coming from a long line of expert dark arts bakers, was to win the annual baking competition.

Unfortunately, she found out that, as good as she was at other witchy arts, baking was quite a bit harder for her. But she gave up all other witchy pursuits to study and practice.

But it just wasn’t working. She was worried she was letting her entire family down.

But, lucky for her “good sisters will always be there, especially when you need them the most.” They helped her calm down and try again. They taught her tips and tricks and they had so much fun together! She finally felt ready. She used everything they taught her, and she made an amazing monstery cake for the competition! She was so proud of herself.

And when it came time for judging…she was unfortunately not the winner. She was SO SAD. But she knew she had won because even though she didn’t have a trophy, her family was so proud and she knew that when she was having fun, she was winning.

“Plus, there was one thing that all the Waywards would always be extraordinarily good at…eating cake together!” <3

I’m a big fan of Flavia Z. Drago, because of Gustavo the Shy Ghost. This is a great one, too! I love her kooky illustration style and macabre subjects turned life lessons. I love how Leila learns the value of her hard work but also the value of her family and how to deal with disappointment and finds joy in the process by the end.

Recommended Ages: 3-7

Activity Sheets:

Original Source: https://www.candlewick.com/9781536220506/leila-the-perfect-witch/

Leila the Perfect Witch Activity Kit
Children's Literature (Ages Birth - 7), Picture Books/Easy Books (Ages 3 and up) (Fiction), Reviews

Review: Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago

BentenShisho

Drago, Flavia Z. (2020). Gustavo, the Shy Ghost. Candlewick Press.

* Downloadable activity sheet at the end of this post!

Meet Gustavo. “He enjoyed doing the normal things that paranormal beings do – passing through walls, making objects fly, and glowing in the dark.” He also loved to play the violin.

Gustavo has a crush on Alma. But there’s just one problem. Gustavo is SUPER shy. In fact, he’s so scared he has never spoken to any of the other monster children, INCLUDING Alma!

To make matters worse, even when he tried to get their attention, he couldn’t see them. He had to find a way! So, he wrote them letters, inviting them to a very special violin concert for Dia de los Muertos. And he was so nervous! But nobody came. Gustavo was so sad. He began to play his violin, and play and play his emotions out on the strings, so much so that he glowed!

All of a sudden, he heard his name! They came!!! They didn’t ignore him. THEY WERE LOST! But his music found them, and in turn, they found Gustavo!

From then on, Gustavo had friends, and they knew, that even if he was quiet, he was still their friend, he was loyal, fun and dedicated to taking care of his friends, “and they never stopped loving him.”

SUCH a good book. Very sweet, and wholesome, relatable with shy little Gustavo. Such a great story about overcoming our anxiety and learning to take chances so that we can connect with others who will accept us and love us for exactly who we are. Can’t wait to read Flavia’s witch and vampire books, too!

Recommended Ages: 3-7

Activity Sheets:

Original Source: Gustavo, the Shy Ghost – Candlewick Press

Gustavo the Shy Ghost – Activity Kit

Children's Literature (Ages Birth - 7), Leveled Readers - Ages 4 to 9, Reviews

Review: The Muéganos by Jaque Jours

BentenShisho

Jours, Jacque. (2026). The Muéganos. Transit Children’s Editions

So, first an explanation of what muéganos are:

Muéganos are a traditional Mexican candy made of small square pieces of fried wheat dough, stuck together with honey or piloncillo syrup.

Did I know what muéganos were before I read this book? No. We never had them as kids, even though I have a Mexican bisabuela (great-grandmother). But now I am hungry. Let’s get to it. Also, Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!

The Muéganos are a family (of muéganos). Being what they are, they are never apart. Papa “says it is honey [that] glues them together. Mama says it’s love.” Julia, on the end here, is just a little different.

“The point is, Julia is never, ever alone.” They do EVERYTHING together and one day, they go to the museum.

The family wants to see certain exhibits but Julia has her own interests, and as she pulls in the direction of what she wants to see…rrrrrriiiiiipp. She is no longer stuck to her family.

Her brother, that she was connected to, looks awfully mad! Her parents look sad and worried! So does Julia! Mama tried to fix it by sewing them back together.

“But some things are inevitable.”

And though Julia is now separate physically from her family, she is never, ever alone. And she wouldn’t have it any other way. (LOOK HOW HAPPY THEY ARE!)

This is a great book about how you can be different from your family and have separate interests, talents, even look different, but you are still part of your family, and they will still love you and be there for you. What matters is the love. (The same goes for growing up and separating from your family, forming your own identity.) This book is a cute way to start that conversation with a kid, which frankly, I don’t think can ever happen too early, because you’d be surprised how fast kids discover “otherness.” But they can also learn acceptance that early as well.

And as a person who always felt like the odd man out growing up, this resonates. Even if my mom didn’t understand me, she always loved me. For that, I am grateful.

Recommended Ages: 3-7