Great Review from Kirkus for the next Stella Díaz

STELLA DÍAZ DREAMS BIG

Author: Angela Dominguez

Fourth grade is not for the faint of heart.

In Book 3 of the Stella Díaz series, Dominguez’s Ramona Quimby–esque heroine of Salvadoran and Mexican descent finds herself a tad overextended as she joins an art club, attempts to fulfill her presidential duties at the helm of the ocean-saving Sea Musketeers, and takes swim lessons with best friend Jenny. As if that weren’t enough, her mom is spending a suspicious amount of time with new neighbor Diego, and Stella is not sure how she feels about her mom having a maybe-boyfriend. Stella’s worry and exhaustion are palpable, but her enthusiasm for all of her hobbies is endearingly earnest. Middle-grade readers will get a taste of what’s to come when Stella and her older brother, Nick, compare extracurriculars as he begins to imagine applying to college. As with previous volumes, occasional Spanish words are presented in italics (a decision explained in the author’s note); they are typically accompanied by context clues or in-text translations, narrator Stella confiding to readers that she needs to work on her Spanish. Her overall vocabulary is robust, however, and she easily weaves in words such as guffaw, devious, and deduction that bolster her go-getter characterization. The Chicago setting and its vigorous Latinx community are well realized. The novel can easily be enjoyed without familiarity with previous books, and Dominguez’s black-and-white illustrations give transitioning readers’ eyes places to rest.

The lovable Díaz family has yet to disappoint. (Fiction. 7-10)

Starred Review from Kirkus!

★ I LOVE YOU, BABY BURRITO

Author: Angela Dominguez

Two doting parents bring their newborn home in this sweet story told with Spanish phrases.

An excellent title for anyone who wants to convey the love and excitement of being a new parent, this bilingual picture book captures the joy of the first few days at home. The house is decorated with banners and balloons, giving the illustrations a celebratory feel. A stuffed llama, toys, and a bassinet have been prepared in anticipation of the birth, and the green and yellow colors in the nursery make it easy for any child to imagine themselves the baby arriving home in the story. The parents, a pale-skinned, redheaded mother and a brown-skinned, dark-haired father, hold their new arrival, then watch the baby in the bassinet until fussing begins. After feeding, they calm their babe by partaking in the universal act of swaddling the tot tightly in a blanket. Accompanying illustrations that show how the baby’s arms and legs are contained, with only the face peeking out, in a bundle that looks like a burrito, the text deftly interjects Spanish words while conveying their meaning through the artwork. A sense of kindness and safety permeates the double-spread depictions of the parents and their child, resulting in a calm and peaceful tale of family love. A Spanish glossary and pronunciation guide follow this clever and heartwarming story. (This book was reviewed digitally with 9-by-18-inch double-page spreads reviewed at 40.8% of actual size.)

This celebration of the “baby burrito” is a playful and loving take on life in a Latinx family. (Picture book. 2-5)

Dream Gardens Podcast

I recently did an episode of Jody Lee Mott’s podcast, Dream Gardens. I had so much discussing my Stella Díaz series and Remy Lai’s wonderful book. Pie in the Sky. I’ve posted the podcast below if you’d like to take a listen. Please also make sure to visit Jody’s website for more podcasts.

http://jleemott.com/2020/10/19/pie-in-the-sky-an-interview-with-angela-dominguez/!

DGP 087 Pie in the Sky by Remy Lai: an interview with Angela Dominguez
Jody Lee Mott: Kids’ Books | Children’s books | Writer | Reader | Middle Grade | Picture Book | Interview | Kid Lit | Young Adult | Graphic Novel

Booking Virtual Visits 2020-2021

I miss doing in-person school visits, but virtual school visits are the next best thing! If you are interested in having me present or do workshops with your students, please contact: hello@theauthorvillage.com for more information. Thanks!

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Stella Díaz Updates

So happy to share that:

Stella Díaz Dreams Big, on Sale 1.12.2021

Stella Díaz Never Gives Up, in Paperback 1.12.2021

Stella Díaz Has Something to Say, in Audiobook 12.29.2021

Pre-order a copy today or request a copy at your local library!

#GRA19 #stelladiaz #kidlit #MG

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Author Village: In Conversations

I’m thrilled to be participating in The Author Village’s ‘In Conversation series’ twice this summer. First one up is with a fellow Latinx Author and Illustrator that I truly admire: Juana Martinez-Neal! I hope you’ll join us June 11th at 3pm ET. For registration information, please visit:

https://www.crowdcast.io/e/v2dppj8t/register

#ConversationsTAV

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Earth Day Video

Hi! Here is a brief video with a few tips on ways to cut down on plastic. Also find out more information about Stella's Plastic Pledge in Stella Díaz Never Gives Up.

For more resources and to sign Stella’s pledge, please visit: www.StellaDiazBooks.com

#GRA19 #GRAStella #earthday

Authors In April

I'm so excited for Authors in April this week! Watch this fabulous video they put together for my upcoming virtual visits:

Stella Díaz Bitesize Video

How would Stella Díaz handle stress? How would I? Click on the video below to find out. I’m going to post another small video in 2 weeks for Earth Day!

Draw with Me!

I recorded a video showing how to come up with a new character and story. Enjoy!

#drawwithme #stayhome #illustration

Read Across America

Hi! I recorded a video for Read Across America. Watch me read from Chapter 2 of Stella Díaz Never Gives Up.

Stella Díaz Tour

I just got back from the Stella Díaz Never Gives Up tour. It was a whirlwind of a tour with stops in Houston, Coral Gables, Orlando, and Pittsburgh. Thank you to all the great schools, students, and independent booksellers I met on my trip. Here are just a few pictures! Next stop, D.C. area for a visit at K.W. Barrett Elementary.