Reviews

Felíz New Year, Ava Gabriela! by Alexandra Alessandri

britbrit29's review

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

heisereads's review

4.0

Not just about holiday or food or family traditions in this Columbian family, but also about a shy girl getting comfortable enough to share her voice. And she is never shamed for it.

fernandie's review

3.0

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

rebecca_pruitt_17's review

4.0

I couldn't pronounce the Spanish well enough to read it aloud to the kids, and they're too little to translate it all, but will definitely read it to them when they're older (and I've brushed up on my Spanish), as the customs are intriguing.

bunnybookends's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted

4.0

librarylove4eva's review

hopeful lighthearted reflective

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Ava Gabriela is visiting family in Colombia for the new year. She is feeling very shy and hesitant to join in fun because she doesn't know these family members. With a bit of time (and play!), she gets comfortable. A book with Spanish words sprinkled in, lovely.

asiqueira1307's review

This is a book for all shy kids and the ones not so shy, so we can all understand each other. FELIZ NEW YEAR, AVA GABRIELA! Allows Colombian children to see themselves represented. Still, it is also a book for all Latinx kids and not Latinx kids, so we can all learn about this beautiful culture, and most importantly, we can all learn that in any culture and country, children go through similar feelings and struggles.

Readers will cheer for this sweet girl to find her voice and have fun.

mackenzievirginia's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

mldavisreads's review against another edition

hopeful informative medium-paced

4.0

Picture book.  Ava is visiting her grandparents in Colombia as her family prepares to welcome in the new year.  But Ava is overwhelmed by all  of the aunts, uncles, and cousins so her shyness comes out in full force.  How can she join in the celebration when it feels like mice have nibbled on her tongue?  As the celebration gets underway, Ava helps make buñuelos and helps make a balloon doll of el Año Viejo (the old year).  The strong connection of this extended family is easy to feel and the celebration looks warm and inviting.  A great addition to holiday collections, this one has Spanish words sprinkled throughout.  There is a glossary in the back though most of them are understood in context.