If You Ever Need a Friend - by Nadine Fonseca (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Joaquin is having a hard day at school. He struggles to speak up in class even though he knows the answers, he doesn't feel included when trying to play soccer with his friends, and he ends up sitting alone during recess--feeling invisible.

But when he investigates a strange shimmery light by the playground slide, he is transported to a special forest filled with fantastical creatures known as alebrijes, or magic companion animals.

His friend, Imogen, introduces Joaquin to several alebrijes, and the special creatures share the ways they help people manage their emotions. One creature roars like a lion with Imogen when she feels angry and needs to let it out. Another one helps Noemi blend into the background like a chameleon when she is feeling nervous and needs a moment to herself. A third alebrije has big ears to hear all of Tío Andres's worries.

Joaquin learns how to identify his needs and create an alebrije specifically for him, and when he returns to school, he is no longer feeling alone or invisible. With his new, fantastical friend helping him, Joaquin's hard day is now one of his best yet.

About the Author

Nadine M. Fonseca is on a mission to build a brighter, kinder, and more inclusive future, one young reader at a time. She founded Mighty Kind, an educational multimedia company that aims to weave the simple and universal concept of kindness into the fabric of anti-racist/anti-bias learning and everyday living. Recognizing her impactful research and dedication, TIME Magazine honored Nadine as a Latino Leader: Driver of Tomorrow on their inaugural list, underscoring her commitment to fostering positive change through Mighty Kind. Nadine is neurodivergent, a biracial Latina, wife, and mother of four. She holds an MBA and is a proud member of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. She is the author of the children's picture book Only a Trenza Away: A Tale of Trust and Strength. She believes that everyone, big or small, has the power to change the world.

Mexican designer and artist Lourdes Villagómez uses her fresh, colorful artwork to share her positive vision and to celebrate her deep love for her culture and heritage. She integrates symbolic meaning into her art, encouraging viewers to look carefully to find the hidden shapes and symbols within the images. Lourdes has collaborated with a number of national and international brands, including Crayola, Facebook, Hershey's, Netflix, and Nike.