Fly, Pajarito, Fly

Bedtimes and reading together times become magical with this uplifting picture book about a mother and daughter who take a nighttime flight above the city—and share a special lesson about home.

The sun sets as a child and her mother take their evening stroll past Don Jorge’s ice cream truck and the casita with the twinkling lights. They watch the riot of pájaros flocking and flying through the sky. “All you need is wings,” says Mami. But the girl believes she’ll never be brave enough to fly like that. Mami sings and twirls the girl into the air. Together, they lift off and fly through the night sky, seeing their whole neighborhood and city from above, feeling the freedom of flight. And when the girl is ready to return to Mami’s arms? “All you need is wings to bring you back home.”

This is a story about the little, everyday moments that make life magical.

Written by Alexandra Alessandri
Illustrated by Dana SanMar
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
ISBN: 978-1534113374
Ages: 5-8

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Check out this super cute book trailer for Fly Pajarito Fly, created by Molly at The Sunny Side!

Signed copies of FLY PAJARITO FLY are available from my local indie (while they last):

Books & Books

You can also order from your favorite indie bookstore or anywhere books are sold, including the following:

School Visits in conjunction with Fly Pajarito Fly

Stay tuned for more information about free visits this fall 2026 in conjunction with the release of Fly Pajarito Fly! For more on what I offer during school visits, please check out my School Visits page.

Resources for Fly Pajarito Fly

Molly @ The Sunny Side created some fun activities–including bird headbands, crossword puzzles, and coloring pages–which you can access here; she also created the book trailer below!

More resources coming soon.

Praise for Fly Pajarito Fly

“A lovely and lyrical tribute to a sweet mother-child connection, trying new things, and dreams… Author Alexandra Alessandri has crafted a beautiful story, and her text is well-complimented by Dana SanMar’s touching illustrations.”–Sarah Scheerger, author of Dude, Be Nice

“Alexandra Alessandri beautifully captures the fears kids face as they learn to fly on their own, and the promises parents make to comfort them with their love. Alessandri’s every word feels like a lullaby of reassurance, and Dana SanMar’s soft color palette perfectly complements the story.”–Paola Santos, author of How to Eat a Mango

“This sweet story invites and inspires the reader to dream big, fly away with courage and know that home will always be there when they return. Dana SanMar’s stunning illustrations beautifully complement Alexandra Alessandri’s soothing and gentle text.”–Maritere Rodriguez Bella, author of Tío Ricky Doesn’t Speak English

“This lyrical book written by Alexandra Alessandri is full of warmth and heart as it highlights the loving relationship between a little girl and her mom…The soft engaging illustrations by Dana SanMar are the perfect complement for the beautiful text.”–Marianna Ríos Ramírez, author of Abuelita’s Gift

“A beautiful story between a mother and daughter and their love. The lyrical language takes readers on a journey as the girl tries new things with support. No matter how far, there’s a place and arms to back back to. The illustrations bring the story to life!”–Delia Ruiz, author of Ways Papi Says I Love You

“Alexandra Alessandri’s musical and symbolic text pairs beautifully with Dana SanMar’s powerful illustrations of dusk in a city, featuring a girl and her mother as they bond, talk about challenges, and reflect on how we’re all interconnected on the journey of leaving the nest one day.”–Debbie Zapata, author of A Taxi for Everyone

“What a sweet combination of a child’s imagination and fears. As she and Mami observe the birds in “el hotel de los pájaros” a young girl worries about the time when she will fly away from her mother. In a dreamlike sequence they imagine they, too, have wings. And the reader soars with them.”–Erin Dealey, author of Squirrel Draws Big Feelings

“A hug of a book! Alexandra Alessandri explores the meaning of home and the safety net provided by a loving parent. With beautiful lyrical language, this book encourages readers to soar on their own knowing that “All you need is wings to bring you back home.” Beautiful!”–Gabriella Aldeman, author of Squawk of Spanish

“Alexandra Alessandri’s lyrical language captures the essence of a young girl finding her wings and taking flight. Dana SanMar’s accessible illustrations perfectly complement a story of bravery and independence. This highly recommended book is a must for homes, schools, and libraries.”–Janet Nolan, author of Bats Beneath the Bridge