Ana Crespo crafts stories that are fueled by her passion for travel and exploration. When she's not journeying through picturesque landscapes, gathering inspiration for new tales, she is immersed in writing. Her work is a testament to her desire to live a life of adventure, allowing her imagination to soar far beyond childhood dreams. Through her unique blend of travel and storytelling, Ana brings vibrant narratives to life, capturing the essence of discovery in every word.
The story follows Brazilian American twins Lâia and Luâis, who engage in playful competition over their favorite snacks from their family's store. Utilizing various mathematical techniques, they attempt to determine who has more of the treats, turning their rivalry into a fun learning experience. Ultimately, their competitive spirit leads to shared enjoyment of the delicious results, blending themes of sibling rivalry, mathematics, and cultural heritage.
"When Brazilian American twins Lia and Luís receive a jigsaw puzzle from their grandmother, they must quickly solve it to figure out its secret message"-- Provided by publisher
"Brazilian boy Felipe doesn't have a soccer ball. When it's his turn to bring one to school, he uses a little bit of creativity and a few socks borrowed from his neighbors"--
If your heart has ever ached remembering a place or a person, a smell or a taste, then you’ve felt saudade. Saudade is a Portuguese and Galician word with no perfect translation to English; it’s a strong, melancholy longing for something you once had. Hiking in the hills, a little girl and her Brazilian immigrant mother contemplate what makes them feel saudade. A cool salty breeze miles from the ocean; the smell of Mamãe's perfume; memories of playing with cousins under trees or waterfalls, riding waves with grandparents who are now stuck in the square of a video call. Though deeply woven through Brazilian music and literature, saudade is a familiar companion to us all. Readers who live far from loved ones or have adopted new homes will especially connect with this exploration of nostalgia and yearning. An endnote offers author Ana Crespo’s personal story of saudade as a Brazilian immigrant, and a glossary covers other Portuguese words the mother and daughter use. Andre Ceolin’s vivid illustrations, twining with daydreamy wisps of haze, set the perfect mood for this bittersweet, profoundly human story. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
