Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!

Available Now!

Ava’s excited to say goodbye to el Año Viejo–but will her shyness keep her from joining in the celebration?

Ava Gabriela is visiting her extended family in Colombia for the holidays. She’s excited to take part in family traditions such as making buñuelos, but being around all her loud relatives in an unfamiliar place makes Ava shy and quiet. How will Ava find her voice before she misses out on all the New Year’s fun?

Written by Alexandra Alessandri
Illustrated by Addy Rivera Sonda
Albert Whitman & Company
Jacketed Hardcover with Matte Lamination
ISBN 978-0-8075-0450-5

Available wherever books are sold, including the following:

Signed copies available from Books & Books here while quantities last.

Teacher’s Guide: Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela! has a teacher’s guide & activity kit!

Book Swag: If you’ve purchased the book as a gift or for yourself or your class (thank you!), I would love to send you a signed bookplate, a bookmark, and/or some stickers! Just fill out this form and I’ll pop it in the mail.

Praise for Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!

“This gentle family story lets readers know that shyness is nothing to worry about.”–Kirkus Reviews, STARRED 🌟 REVIEW. Read the full review here.

“The book’s vibrant colors reflect the story’s celebratory mood, and the cartoon illustrations cushion Ava’s struggle with anxiety.”–Booklist. Read the full review here.

“This warm #OwnVoices look at Colombian traditions, including wearing yellow underwear and eating grapes for good luck, is both universal and deeply personal.”–School Library Journal. Read review here.

“The illustrations are bright and colorful, perfect for the lush farm setting of the story.”–Kristin Guay, Youth Services Book Review: Starred review! Read the full review here.

“…a great example of an #ownvoices diverse book that celebrates Colombian culture through a story that all readers can relate to.”–Sarah Bickel, Youth Services Book Review: Starred review! Read the full review here.