The Lucky Grapes - by Tracey Kyle (Hardcover)

About the Book

Contains a list of numbers 1 to 12 in Spanish and a glossary for Spanish words in order of appearance.

Book Synopsis

Tonight there is a celebración for New Year's Eve.
Rafa has been counting down the hours 'til they leave.

It's New Year's Eve in Spain, and Rafa is excited to stay up for the first time ever to celebrate with his familia at the plaza. There'll be fireworks and música and . . . grapes? Rafa finds out that he needs to eat a small grape with each of the twelve midnight chimes to bring luck in the New Year. Can he do it? Will he even make it to midnight?

Rafa frowns a little. The lucky grapes are small.
What happens if he drops one, or doesn't eat them all?

Tracey Kyle's read-aloud, rhyming text is sprinkled with words in Spanish, while Marina Astudillo's authentic illustrations capture this popular tradition in all its joy and hope for the New Year. Young readers will be eager to count in Spanish with Rafa and experience this unique, enchanting celebration of culture. ¡Olé!

Review Quotes

"With fun rhyming text that rolls off your tongue and vibrant illustrations, The Lucky Grapes will transport you to Spain for New Year's Eve where you will want to savor the food and traditions of the night." --Debra Kempf Shumaker, author of Freaky, Funky Fish and Tell Someone

"In Señora Kyle's trademark rhyming verse, a Spanish New Year's Eve tradition reveals itself through the wonder and awe of young Rafa as he attends his first celebration at the plaza. Fireworks, music, family and fun. And don't forget the twelve lucky grapes, one to bring luck to each month of the year. A fun story for young readers to learn about holiday traditions in Spain." --Terry Catasús Jennings, author of The Little House of Hope and Pauli Murray

"A magical glimpse into a little-known New Year's Eve celebration. Kyle's rhythmic story dazzles, and Astudillo's atmospheric art sets off fireworks. Lucky readers!" --Candice Ransom, author of Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten and Only Margaret

About the Author

Tracey Kyle is a middle school Spanish teacher in Northern Virginia, where she lives with her husband and two very spoiled cats. When she's not grading papers or working on a new story, she enjoys cooking, reading and yoga. The Lucky Grapes is her sixth book for children.

Marina Astudillo is a Spanish illustrator and graphic designer. Her signature style includes bold colors and painterly scenes of food, women, florals and day-to-day life. As a curious and observant person, she loves to capture the beauty of small things and whimsical moments. Originally from Madrid, she has also lived in Amsterdam and Toronto. Over the course of seven years, she has combined her career as a designer in advertising agencies with developing an artistic brand of her own. Her work has been put into branding, prints, accessories and many other supports. This is her first picture book.