Overview
Isabel hopes all her birthday wishes will come true. She’s dreamed of a big party with all her friends and family and a piÑata, candy, and cake. But when the day arrives, MamÁ says they will have a small fiesta, and Abuelo explains that store-bought piÑatas are expensive. Isabel begins to think it doesn’t even feel like her birthday! But Abuela reassures her they will have cake. Then a mix-up at lunchtime spells disaster for the rest of the day. Is there anything that can save Isabel’s birthday? In this heartwarming story, Isabel learns that things don’t always go as planned, but sometimes life surprises us
Full Product Details
Author: Debbie Zapata ,
Gabriella Galvez
Publisher: American Psychological Association
Imprint: American Psychological Association
ISBN: 9781433847509
ISBN 10: 1433847507
Pages: 32
Publication Date: 07 October 2025
Recommended Age: From 7 to 8 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Not yet available
This item is yet to be released. You can pre-order this item and we will dispatch it to you upon its release.
Language: English, Spanish
Reviews
""A helpful tool for talking about the emotions that surround special events. Isabel’s inner world is vividly illustrated, with brightly colored art swirling around her in a style reminiscent of papel picado, visually expressing her hopes and worries. A robust bilingual reader’s note provides guidance for adults, offering activities to support children’s emotional development, and includes a recipe for Mexican buñuelos. A sweet, realistic story of family, culture, and emotional resilience.”—School Library Journal
""Zapata honors the disappointment children feel when their hopes don’t align with reality while also modeling resilience and the joy that can come from flexibility. Galvez’s soft pastel hues set a gentle tone. . . . A warm and uplifting reminder that love and creativity are what make celebrations truly special.""—Kirkus Reviews ""A helpful tool for talking about the emotions that surround special events. Isabel’s inner world is vividly illustrated, with brightly colored art swirling around her in a style reminiscent of papel picado, visually expressing her hopes and worries. A robust bilingual reader’s note provides guidance for adults, offering activities to support children’s emotional development, and includes a recipe for Mexican buñuelos. A sweet, realistic story of family, culture, and emotional resilience.”—School Library Journal
Author Information
Debbie Zapata, LCSW, works as a counselor in Austin, Texas, assisting families with children who have special needs. Her stories celebrate diversity and honor her Mexican culture. Gabriella Galvez is an illustrator living in the heart of Montreal, Canada. Her style embraces bright colors, memorable characters, and always, a dash of whimsy.
