Janet Costa Bates
Children's Book Author
LLAMAS, IGUANAS, AND
MY VERY BEST FRIEND
Written by Janet Costa Bates
Illustrated by Gladys Jose
Published by Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9781536216301
Rica Baptista wants—no, needs—a pet. A llama, a kinkajou, or maybe an iguana? Rica can’t tell anyone the real reason she wants a pet, because she’s not supposed to know—she overheard that her best friend, Laini, is moving away, and she worries about being left behind. Willing to try almost anything, Rica and Laini try all sorts of schemes to raise money to afford a pet. In a rich and amusing story that will appeal to fans of Judy Moody and Ivy and Bean, a sincere and creative protagonist navigates friend and family relationships from funny to frustrating, endearing to insightful.
Oh, garbanzo beans! You’ll be sorry if you wait to meet big-hearted Rica, who discovers the joy of family, friendship, pets, and the power of finding her own voice.
—Megan McDonald, New York Times best-selling author of the Judy Moody series
Rica is a welcome addition to the chapter book scene—she’s funny, determined, and kind. Readers will be rooting for Rica as she goes after her dream of getting a pet. I crown Rica Baptista the Queen of Trying!
—Debbi Michiko Florence, award-winning author of the Jasmine Toguchi series
Seaside Dream
Written by Janet Costa Bates
Illustrated by Lambert Davis
Published by Lee and Low Books
ISBN 1600603475
Available: Lee and Low, IndieBound, Amazon
Family. Food. Presents.
Everything seems ready for Grandma’s birthday celebration but will Cora figure out what her Cape Verdean* grandmother really wants?
Kirkus Reviews: “A moving portrayal of a grandparent-grandchild relationship as well as a distinctive take on universal aspects of immigration.”