(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez. “Me llamo La Chiva. That’s me! Beep, beep, beep!” But this chiva is not a goat, it’s a bus (helpfully explained in an author’s note) decorated with bright patterns that travels through a town in the Andes. Cheerful rhyming text follows the bus on its way to a market in town, including a stop for a flat tire that the passengers help fix. Painterly digital illustrations in vibrant colors feature a smiling bus, diverse community, and playfully exaggerated steep mountain roads. Also available in Spanish as ¡Me llamo la Chiva!: El colorido bus de los Andes.

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(2) K-3 Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez. There is a hole in the sidewalk outside Dani's building on a bustling city street. One day, two workers arrive and plant a tree in the hole. As the tree takes root, the neighborhood grows and develops with it and because of it. "The city clanged and snorted and roared...the tree rustled and swished and soothed." Along with birds and squirrels, Dani finds solace in its branches, which shield her physically and emotionally. Detailed digital illustrations reflect subtle changes over time: everything around the tree becomes brighter, more colorful, and more joyous. With close attention, readers can follow various residents and pets throughout the pages and peek into windows or catch a rooftop party. The story winds down over the course of four double-page spreads depicting a year of poignant seasonal shifts on the street, where the tree holds a place of prominence. The busy urban scene now interwoven with the rhythm of nature feels like a more connected community. Back matter includes information about street trees and their care along with additional resources.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2023

(4) PS Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez. A host of nursery-rhyme and fairy-tale characters (including Goldilocks, Prince Charming, and Little Boy Blue) prepare for bed in this collection of silly four-line rhymes: "Want a fella, / Cinderella? / Eight hours' sleep / will make you bella." The vibrant, rich-hued illustrations have a mid-century modern edge, depicting characters with different skin colors; their appeal far surpasses that of the sometimes awkward couplets.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez. Purple-haired "one-girl sensación" Carmen loves to perform for her family. She usually ignores her little brother--until she realizes how much Eduardo adores her. Although the conflict is tame, this is a lively romp about a budding diva told in direct, winking text sprinkled with Spanish. Reflecting Carmen's personality, the digital illustrations are a vivacious riot of bright colors and swirling lines.

Reviewer: Amy Seto Forrester