Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena - by Karla Arenas Valenti (Hardcover)

About the Book

"In a bakery on the eve of Nochebuena, sugar figurines come to life and a cake catastrophe is averted."--

Book Synopsis

A festive nochebuena treat for little ones who believe in the magic of Christmas (and the deliciousness of cake)!

On the night before Christmas, a spark of magic lights up Lita's Pastelería, and Esperanza Caramelo blinks open her eyes. Esperanza is a spun-sugar ornament, meant to sit atop the Nochebuena cake--but tonight she whirls through the bakery, singing and dancing, throwing a fiesta with all the other ornaments until . . . disaster strikes!

Can the cake be saved in time for Christmas? The clock is ticking, but on Nochebuena, anything is possible--and Esperanza never gives up hope.

Review Quotes

"Valenti whips up a delectable tale of whimsical enchantment, with Spanish sprinkled throughout....Like a dash of sweetened wishes." --Kirkus Reviews

"Richly ­illustrated with vibrant colors, this picture book is sure to please." --School Library Journal

"The sweet backgrounds are full of delicious and delightful clues and plenty of other details to keep readers invested as they root for this unlikely heroine." --Booklist

"This book is sure to satisfy any reader's sweet tooth." --The Horn Book

About the Author

Karla Arenas Valenti is the author of many books for children of all ages. She grew up in Mexico City in a house that was built around a tree and surrounded by magic (which has stayed with her long into her adult years). Her storytelling is seeded in Mexican culture and lore, and often deals in explorations of philosophical and identity-based themes (inspiring the mind) while also taking readers on riveting magical realist adventures (inspiring the heart). She currently resides in the Chicagoland area.

Elisa Chavarri has illustrated numerous books for children including Pura Belpre Honor book Sharuko. She graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she majored in classical animation and minored in comics. Elisa hails from Lima, Peru, and resides in Alpena, Michigan, with her husband and two young children.