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Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!
Ava Gabriela is visiting her extended family in Colombia for the holidays. She's excited to take part in family traditions such as making bunuelos, but being around all her loud relatives in an unfamiliar place makes Ava shy and quiet. How will Ava find her voice before she misses out on all the New Year's fun?
32 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Alexandra Alessandri
9 books98 followersAlexandra Alessandri is the author of several books for children, including Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!, Isabel and Her Colores Go to School, The Enchanted Life of Valentina Mejía, Our World: Colombia, Lupita’s Hurricane Palomitas, and Grow Up, Luchy Zapata, which is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her books have gone on to receive numerous distinctions, including the Florida Book Award, International Latino Book Award, Américas Award Commendable Title, and the ILA 2022 Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Award in Primary Fiction.
The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Alexandra is an adjunct professor of English at Broward College and an instructor at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program. She received her BA and MA degrees in English from Florida International University and a Certificate in Fiction Writing from UCLA Extension.
Alexandra’s experience growing up straddling both cultures often influences her children’s fiction and poetry. When not writing or teaching, Alexandra spends her time planning the next great adventure with her husband and son, with whom she lives in South Florida. For more about Alexandra, visit http://alexandraalessandri.com.
The daughter of Colombian immigrants, Alexandra is an adjunct professor of English at Broward College and an instructor at UCLA Extension’s Writers’ Program. She received her BA and MA degrees in English from Florida International University and a Certificate in Fiction Writing from UCLA Extension.
Alexandra’s experience growing up straddling both cultures often influences her children’s fiction and poetry. When not writing or teaching, Alexandra spends her time planning the next great adventure with her husband and son, with whom she lives in South Florida. For more about Alexandra, visit http://alexandraalessandri.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
August 18, 2020
This is a beautiful book set around Colombian New Year traditions. I loved seeing the commonalities with the Brazilian traditions and learning about the differences, like the Ano Viejo doll. Being shy is an extremely relatable theme, and is treated with respect and acceptance. Ava Gabriela is shy and although she wants to overcome it, there's not a moment in the story where shyness is portrayed as a bad thing. The family is loving, the food is mouthwatering and Spanish is seamlessly woven through. By the end, Ava is able to enjoy the festivities while still being true to herself. The illustrations are bright and beautiful and perfectly complement the text.
December 31, 2021
Not just about holiday or food or family traditions in this Columbian family, but also about a shy girl getting comfortable enough to share her voice. And she is never shamed for it.
January 10, 2023
I am just thrilled to be reading so many diverse books about the New Year and all the traditions. From Canton to Persia, Colombia to New Zealand, wow. And they're all fun stories, too! El Año Viejo, whether an effigy made of balloons to be popped or straw to be burned, seems like an especially fun and mentally healthy idea. Kind of like sweeping out the old year, but also kind of like burning a list of old worries or regrets, but also whatever you want to be done with and want to start fresh... let the effigy take it away.
August 14, 2020
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is curious about learning or teaching others about traditions around the world. I received this book for my child but found myself learning so much! The only problem with this book is that I am now craving guava pastries and dulce de leche!
January 13, 2023
We are studying New Year traditions from around the world and I was thrilled to be able to read this one to my young sons as it is so hard to find picture books set in South America. While this one is set in Colombia, some of the traditions (for example, eating 12 grapes at New Year's to bring luck for each month of the new year) are similar to those of my husband's native Chile and it really helped bring that part of their heritage to life. This book is a joy to read and brims with the spirit of togetherness, goodwill and hope that the New Year celebrations weave around the little girls' family. More than that, it is also a sensitive glimpse into the feelings of a young girl who feels overwhelmed by being surrounded by family who feel like strangers as this is her first time visiting her extended family in Colombia. I wish the book did not use the word "shy" but the overall situation was handled with care and I appreciate how the little girl was allowed to take her time and open up naturally and not forced to hug and kiss everyone and be instantly chummy. The writing style is delightful and I appreciate the way the Spanish words and dishes are woven into the story in such a way that you get a sense for what they are without having to interrupt the flow of the story and flip to the Glossary at the back. Really enjoyed the Author's Note where she talks about her own Colombian family traditions which have stayed with the family here in the USA. Most notably, El Año Viejo, the New Year Doll, which is traditionally a straw or newspaper effigy to be burned for New Year's Eve to send off all the old troubles and burdens of the past year -- now some families (like the one in this story) make the doll out of balloons so that it can be popped by the children at New Year. Highly recommend.
June 29, 2020
A great story about the Colombian New Year. Traditions change and evolve, but one thing stays the same- la familia.
November 17, 2020
Ava Gabriela is the sweet protagonist to this story that introduces Colombian New Year's Eve and New Year's traditions to U.S. readers. Ava is a shy girl and I loved watching Ava gradually open up as the new year gradually comes. Ava finally comes out of her shell with the explosion of the fireworks. The warmth of the family depicted in encouraging but still allowing Ava to be her shy self was very sweet. Lush with bouyant illutrations, rich descriptions, and interesting traditions, this book is further enriched by the beautiful language of Alessandri with sentences throughout like "her voice grew wings and hummed like a colibri." While there is a glossary at the end, I appreciate the way Alessandri immerses us in this world by sprinkling in Spanish words (with clever context clues) and not italicizing or stopping to translate them. I felt like I was definitely a part of this world because of this authenticity. This is a great book for New Years, especially for a class discussion about New Year's traditions. I also think shy kids and kids from Spanish-speaking cultures will see themselves in this book.
April 26, 2022
"Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela!" is a fun book about a young girl who is spending the New Year with her family. Ava is rather shy and she wanted to break out of that shy space. Towards the end of the book, we see her gain her confidence to speak and be outgoing around her family. This book is a beautiful representation of the Latinx culture and we got a peek of some of the traditions they partake in when the New Year rolls around. I think this book is perfect for those who may be missing home and miss that culture aspect of things. It's also a perfect way to demonstrate to children how different cultures celebrate certain holidays. I also loved the family aspect of this book and it really showed the value of family within the Latinx culture. If I could give this book a thousand stars I would!
January 10, 2022
Did you celebrate the New Year? Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela! is a picture book that we have read more than once this past week - it is a relatable story that happens to include New Year celebrations. Young Ava Gabriela visits her grandparents' farm but is intimidated by speaking with her extended family. Over the course of two days, she accepts her shyness, says a few words, and engages in play with her cousins. Reflective and reserved readers will be affirmed, appreciating the gentle treatment by most of Ava Gabriela's family and considering how a booming uncle's friendly overtures allow Ava Gabriela to see past his vocal volume to the kindness beneath. The characters are all, in fact, likable.
Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela! is a cozy story of family and the acceptance of personality differences, particularly of children who may feel shy around family. And it's bilingual, with Spanish words integrated throughout. T was using context clues* to understand new words like finca (farm), but we had to use the glossary to look up some like colibri (hummingbird). As someone with no Spanish knowledge, I would have appreciated a pronunciation guide in the back.
When I suggested using context clues, actually, he said, "Mom, I was already doing that," with a tone suggesting that I am the dumbest person in the world. I was pretty pleased, to tell the truth. You rock, Ms. Grade 1 Teacher (I'll claim some credit too)!
Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela! is a cozy story of family and the acceptance of personality differences, particularly of children who may feel shy around family. And it's bilingual, with Spanish words integrated throughout. T was using context clues* to understand new words like finca (farm), but we had to use the glossary to look up some like colibri (hummingbird). As someone with no Spanish knowledge, I would have appreciated a pronunciation guide in the back.
When I suggested using context clues, actually, he said, "Mom, I was already doing that," with a tone suggesting that I am the dumbest person in the world. I was pretty pleased, to tell the truth. You rock, Ms. Grade 1 Teacher (I'll claim some credit too)!
October 24, 2020
Ava Gabriela is so shy that she rarely speaks; she really wants to be different. She and her parents are visiting her extended family in Columbia where they are preparing for a big New Year's celebration.
I enjoyed all the little Spanish phrases and the simple way their meaning was made clear in the text for non-Spanish speakers.
Best of all, I loved reading about the traditions the family in Columbia celebrated on New Year's. I've eaten the twelve grapes for luck, but I've never heard of wearing yellow underwear, something also said to bring good fortune. I like the idea of walking around the street at midnight with luggage in hand to be sure we travel well in the coming year and the idea of cleaning the house to get rid of the dirt and negativity of the old year. Making El Ano Viejo and breaking the doll to represent leaving behind the disappointments, sadnesses, and troubles of the old year sounds like a great tradition, too. (I'll have to try these this year...maybe it will sweep away 2020.)
I enjoyed all the little Spanish phrases and the simple way their meaning was made clear in the text for non-Spanish speakers.
Best of all, I loved reading about the traditions the family in Columbia celebrated on New Year's. I've eaten the twelve grapes for luck, but I've never heard of wearing yellow underwear, something also said to bring good fortune. I like the idea of walking around the street at midnight with luggage in hand to be sure we travel well in the coming year and the idea of cleaning the house to get rid of the dirt and negativity of the old year. Making El Ano Viejo and breaking the doll to represent leaving behind the disappointments, sadnesses, and troubles of the old year sounds like a great tradition, too. (I'll have to try these this year...maybe it will sweep away 2020.)
September 6, 2020
With themes of overcoming shyness woven throughout the story, Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela is an adorable book that shares with readers the special Colombian New Years traditions and foods while we follow Ava Gabriela through her journey from newly arrived at her abuelita's finca and overwhelmed by all her family there, to finding her voice and her place among all her cousins aunts and uncles. The sweet illustrations compliment the writing perfectly. Spanish is sprinkled throughout the story in a very natural way that encourages understanding through context clues. A really lovely book about overcoming about family, traditions and learning to be comfortable in new situations.
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September 20, 2020This is a book for all shy kids and the ones not so shy, so we can all understand each other. FELIZ NEW YEAR, AVA GABRIELA! Allows Colombian children to see themselves represented. Still, it is also a book for all Latinx kids and not Latinx kids, so we can all learn about this beautiful culture, and most importantly, we can all learn that in any culture and country, children go through similar feelings and struggles.
Readers will cheer for this sweet girl to find her voice and have fun.
Readers will cheer for this sweet girl to find her voice and have fun.
September 12, 2021
I might be a little biased because I'm the author. :) This is my ode to Colombia and to shy kids everywhere. And I adore Addy's illustrations! I hope you enjoy it.
November 16, 2020
This colorful and lovely family story is a delightful approach to sharing traditions from Columbian New Year celebrations through the encompassing story of a very shy girl trying to find her voice. The loving relationships and welcoming experiences should make her feel at home with her extended family, young cousins, and a language that she understands but is reluctant to speak.
The figurative expression Abuelita (Grandma) asks in the early pages- Has a mouse nibbled your tongue?-launches the true story of shyness so that readers will more readily imagine themselves in her place. it doesn't take a different language to make kids hostage to engage with relatives and activities that are entirely new and unfamiliar. This delightful book makes it clear that time, support, encouragement, and enticements can overcome shyness.
Perhaps the word "overcome" is too strong, suggesting that being shy is a negative trait. Readers are able to feel and understand Ava's conflicted reactions throughout the story. That includes her eagerness to engage and respond, but also her physiological/neurological reactions: feeling small, words sticking on her tongue, her voice hiding in her throat like a mouse in a hole, seeking alone time, feeling concerned about her shyness (and the attention it can generate), her heart thumping fast, and even when her voice grew wings. This character grows in confidence and self-awareness throughout the story, and along the way we learn Spanish vocabulary and Columbian New year traditions.
Now a note from a longtime teacher:
As someone whose proficiency with Spanish is only a half-step beyond menus and common greetings, I loved this author's approach to embedding Spanish language within a story that was entertaining and compelling with a character who was very much "of the culture" but had a universal issue. Along the way the contextual English provided everything needed to sustain the pace and interest of the story, allowing me to learn meanings of words naturally. There is useful author note and Spanish glossary in the back pages, but I urge those sharing this book with non-Spanish-speaking audiences to cue them to "just keep swimming" through the text with careful attention to the story and the images. A brief prompt and walk-through before beginning the book should result with many kids surprising themselves that they learned Spanish words by living in the story. It can't hurt to point out how many English-Language Learners must take that same approach when immersed in the dominant culture, relying on visual cues, context, and situational meaning to approximate words they have never heard before.
The figurative expression Abuelita (Grandma) asks in the early pages- Has a mouse nibbled your tongue?-launches the true story of shyness so that readers will more readily imagine themselves in her place. it doesn't take a different language to make kids hostage to engage with relatives and activities that are entirely new and unfamiliar. This delightful book makes it clear that time, support, encouragement, and enticements can overcome shyness.
Perhaps the word "overcome" is too strong, suggesting that being shy is a negative trait. Readers are able to feel and understand Ava's conflicted reactions throughout the story. That includes her eagerness to engage and respond, but also her physiological/neurological reactions: feeling small, words sticking on her tongue, her voice hiding in her throat like a mouse in a hole, seeking alone time, feeling concerned about her shyness (and the attention it can generate), her heart thumping fast, and even when her voice grew wings. This character grows in confidence and self-awareness throughout the story, and along the way we learn Spanish vocabulary and Columbian New year traditions.
Now a note from a longtime teacher:
As someone whose proficiency with Spanish is only a half-step beyond menus and common greetings, I loved this author's approach to embedding Spanish language within a story that was entertaining and compelling with a character who was very much "of the culture" but had a universal issue. Along the way the contextual English provided everything needed to sustain the pace and interest of the story, allowing me to learn meanings of words naturally. There is useful author note and Spanish glossary in the back pages, but I urge those sharing this book with non-Spanish-speaking audiences to cue them to "just keep swimming" through the text with careful attention to the story and the images. A brief prompt and walk-through before beginning the book should result with many kids surprising themselves that they learned Spanish words by living in the story. It can't hurt to point out how many English-Language Learners must take that same approach when immersed in the dominant culture, relying on visual cues, context, and situational meaning to approximate words they have never heard before.
October 13, 2020
I received an electronic ARC from Albert Whitman & Company through Edelweiss+.
Ava and her parents are visiting the extended family for their New Year celebration. Meeting so many people at once causes Ava to feel shy and not choose to speak. Alessandri shows readers what this is like from Ava's side. Slowly, she feels more comfortable joining in and finds her voice.
Young readers will relate to times when they have felt overwhelmed and needed time to process before joining in. Told with English and Spanish text with a glossary at the end. The author note provides further information on the importance of this celebration each year.
Ava and her parents are visiting the extended family for their New Year celebration. Meeting so many people at once causes Ava to feel shy and not choose to speak. Alessandri shows readers what this is like from Ava's side. Slowly, she feels more comfortable joining in and finds her voice.
Young readers will relate to times when they have felt overwhelmed and needed time to process before joining in. Told with English and Spanish text with a glossary at the end. The author note provides further information on the importance of this celebration each year.
March 21, 2022
Ava Gabriela is excited to spend the New Year with her family, but she's shy and nervous. Will she find her voice to enjoy the festivities and her loved ones' company?
Originally I had wanted to read this book as a potential read-alike for Encanto and I say it does fit the bill.
Ava's family is Colombian and tightly knit. The book is definitely bi-lingual throughout with a glossary of terms in the back. I am so looking up recipes for bunnuelos (You'll have to read the book to find out) and natilla and bocadillo and tamales.
I find the tradition of the Ano Viejo (the scarecrow that represents all of the "bad" or negatives of the past year) was a unique take as well.
Originally I had wanted to read this book as a potential read-alike for Encanto and I say it does fit the bill.
Ava's family is Colombian and tightly knit. The book is definitely bi-lingual throughout with a glossary of terms in the back. I am so looking up recipes for bunnuelos (You'll have to read the book to find out) and natilla and bocadillo and tamales.
I find the tradition of the Ano Viejo (the scarecrow that represents all of the "bad" or negatives of the past year) was a unique take as well.
September 16, 2020
Kindness and compassion are at the heart of this gentle exploration of the time it often takes for young children to find their voices in new situations, even in the midst of family celebrations that are filled with joy. Along with this story thread, which successfully progresses, is the story of Colombian holiday traditions as the year changes from the old to the new. A glossary and helpful descriptions throughout the text offer language learners new vocabulary and greater understanding of Colombian culture. Sweet and engaging in every way and charmingly illustrated.
November 25, 2020
Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela! by Alexandra Alessandri is filled with traditions and delicious food native to Columbia. Aside from the traditions, most importantly, is Ava Gabriela who is shy and quiet around her extended family. She wants to engage and play, but will she ever find her voice? The illustrations are lovely and fun, capturing the excitement a New Year brings. The Author’s Note and Glossary are filled with more information and definitions of the Spanish words and terms used throughout the book. This book offers so much for children, and parents, that are sure to love it!
January 14, 2022
Main character is painfully shy which makes it difficult to join in the family fun as everyone is getting ready for the New Year celebration. As she slowly finds ways to interact w her cousins, we learn about some traditions from Columbia related to the New Year (end notes clarify this setting). The two main strengths of this title is learning about some Colombian holiday traditions and having a shy character never shamed but rather supported and loved as she figures things out. Many Spanish words are sprinkled throughout, w a glossary in the back.
September 16, 2020
This story will resonate, not only with children of immigrants, but with all children who find themselves in new situations. Ava Gabriela, who visits her relatives in Columbia, is shy around strangers and unsure of her Spanish. As the story unfolds, and Ava Gabriela learns a wonderful lesson about family, the reader learns a few Spanish words in context and is introduced to Columbian foods and traditions. The whimsical illustrations nicely complement this sweet story.
January 3, 2021
I used this book to teach my fifth grade students about New Year's traditions in Columbia. This book beautifully ties in many traditions with the discussion of being shy. The main character, Ava Gabriel, struggles throughout the story to find her voice, and wants to overcome her shyness. However, being shy is never portrayed as a flaw, and by the end Gabriela does find her voice. I enjoyed reading this book to my students and then completing a New Year activity of our own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2021
Ava Gabriela is overwhelmed when she goes to visit all her Columbian family and reacts by being shy around them. However, the Colombian customs of celebrating the New Year draw her out of her shell.
The author did a good job of weaving Spanish words seamlessly in the story. I enjoyed being introduced to the unique customs in Colombia and to their foods and I was reminded that holidays are universal, yet culturally unique.
The author did a good job of weaving Spanish words seamlessly in the story. I enjoyed being introduced to the unique customs in Colombia and to their foods and I was reminded that holidays are universal, yet culturally unique.
May 21, 2021
I loved this look at Colombian new year's traditions and enjoyed seeing Ava overcome her shyness and enjoy her family and their celebrations! The illustrations are fun and colorful. A perfect read for anyone who sometimes feels shy, who wants to expand their world, and who loves when great words and great art come together. I highly recommend it also for classrooms, as a way to introduce cultural traditions and also talk about shyness. Wonderful book all around!
January 3, 2023
Στο βιβλίο αυτό η ισπανική και η αγγλική γλώσσα μπλέκονται τόσο αρμονικά για να περιγράψουν τα έθιμα, τα φαγητά και το κλίμα της παραμονής Πρωτοχρονιάς μέσα από την μικρή Ava, την οικογένεια της και τους συγγενείς της στην Κολομβία. Παράλληλα παρουσιάζει το πως ένα παιδί ντροπαλό καταφέρνει να νιώσει άνετα, να νιώσει αποδεκτή και να επικοινωνήσει ουσιαστικά με κάθε τρόπο πέρα από την προθυμία της να βοηθήσει στις ετοιμασίες για την μεγάλη βραδιά της αλλαγής του χρόνου ✨
December 31, 2024
Ava Gabriela is shy around her Colombian extended family but wants to participate in all the fun activities of New Year’s Eve. Love seeing the traditions I remember from my time in Colombia like round bunelos (not like the flat, sweet Mexican ines) time on the finca, fireworks. The balloon Old Year is new, author note explains that sometimes it is an effigy that is burned, which we saw last year in Ecuador. No matter the traditions, best part is always being with family.
September 24, 2020
This is a WONDERFUL story about a young girl whose shy streak sets in while visiting relatives in Colombia for the New Year holiday. It's affirming, joyful, colorful--fantastically written and beautifully illustrated. The authentic cultural details add a delightful richness to this universal theme. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
October 20, 2020
Picture book. Ava is visiting her grandparents in Colombia as her family prepares to welcome in the new year. But Ava is overwhelmed by all of the aunts, uncles, and cousins so her shyness comes out in full force. How can she join in the celebration when it feels like mice have nibbled on her tongue? As the celebration gets underway, Ava helps make buñuelos and helps make a balloon doll of el Año Viejo (the old year). The strong connection of this extended family is easy to feel and the celebration looks warm and inviting. A great addition to holiday collections, this one has Spanish words sprinkled throughout. There is a glossary in the back though most of them are understood in context.
November 28, 2020
Such a great little read! As someone who has been shy for the majority of my life I found I could really relate with little Ava, especially when she described how it felt like her words were stuck in her throat. I loved watching her work through her shyness.
I also really enjoyed learning more about New Year traditions in Colombia and the little bits of Spanish sprinkled throughout the text.
I also really enjoyed learning more about New Year traditions in Colombia and the little bits of Spanish sprinkled throughout the text.
December 3, 2020
This book was a little text heavy but it was also very cute. It's a neat book which features a character who is shy/has social anxiety and how they slowly warm up and become a bit more bold. Within the story we get to learn about some Latinx New Year's traditions and there are quite a few Spanish words sprinkled throughout (with a glossary at the end).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews