What do you think?
Juana and Lucas #2
Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas
"Juana's big problema will resonate with many readers, who will look forward to hearing more about this spunky Colombian girl's life." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Juana's life is just about perfect. She lives in the beautiful city of Bogotá with her two most favorite people in the world: her mami and her dog, Lucas. Lately, though, things have become a little less perfect. Mami has a new hairdo and has been spending a LOT of time with a new amigo named Luis. He is kind and teaches Juana about things like photography and jazz music, but sometimes Juana can't help wishing things would go back to the way they were before. When Mami announces that she and Luis are getting married and that they will all be moving to a new casa, Juana is quite distraught. Lucky for her, though, some things will never change--like how much Mami loves her. Based on author-illustrator Juana Medina's own childhood in Colombia, this follow-up to the Pura Belpré Author Award-winning Juana & Lucas is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
Juana's life is just about perfect. She lives in the beautiful city of Bogotá with her two most favorite people in the world: her mami and her dog, Lucas. Lately, though, things have become a little less perfect. Mami has a new hairdo and has been spending a LOT of time with a new amigo named Luis. He is kind and teaches Juana about things like photography and jazz music, but sometimes Juana can't help wishing things would go back to the way they were before. When Mami announces that she and Luis are getting married and that they will all be moving to a new casa, Juana is quite distraught. Lucky for her, though, some things will never change--like how much Mami loves her. Based on author-illustrator Juana Medina's own childhood in Colombia, this follow-up to the Pura Belpré Author Award-winning Juana & Lucas is sure to resonate with readers of all ages.
96 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2019
About the author
Juana Medina
24 books71 followersJuana Medina was born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia. She is the illustrator of Smick! by Doreen Cronin and the author-illustrator of One Big Salad. Juana Medina has studied and taught at the Rhode Island School of Design and now teaches at the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at George Washington University. She lives in Washington, D.C.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 23, 2018
This is the second book in this early chapter book about a young school girl in Bogata.
And big changes are coming, because her mother is going to get married, and she isn't sure about that, as most children would be.
And in between all this, we get Spanish vocabulary thrown in, so that you can figure out what the word is because of the context.
THe pictures of Juana and her dog Lucas are delightful. The images of the city of Bogota is great, and this is a much more engaging book that the first one in the series.
Recommend it for introducing simple Spanish words, as well as learning about another city in the world.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And big changes are coming, because her mother is going to get married, and she isn't sure about that, as most children would be.
And in between all this, we get Spanish vocabulary thrown in, so that you can figure out what the word is because of the context.
THe pictures of Juana and her dog Lucas are delightful. The images of the city of Bogota is great, and this is a much more engaging book that the first one in the series.
Recommend it for introducing simple Spanish words, as well as learning about another city in the world.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
December 21, 2018
I really enjoyed this early elementary chapter book about Juana, a little girl whose mother is going to get married. It addresses all the anxiety of a child in a situation, with the overall message that a parent's love for a child will never diminish, even when family members are added. The illustrations are charming, and I loved that Juana refused to be a flower girl because she thought the role was insipid. So great!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
March 17, 2019
Juana lives with her mami and her perro Lucas in Bogotá, Columbia. Everything is lovely until Mami suddenly has a new haircut. And is wearing perfume. And lots of lipstick.
Suddenly, Juana has problemas. Big problemas.
It turns out that Mami has met Luis. And they are getting married. When Juana learns this, she tells us, "My held melted and became one big chocolate-flavored puddle."
At eighty-four pages, and with full-color illustrations on each page, this is the perfect early chapter book for children. It's filled with lots of fun Spanish words to provide windows and mirrors for young readers.
Suddenly, Juana has problemas. Big problemas.
It turns out that Mami has met Luis. And they are getting married. When Juana learns this, she tells us, "My held melted and became one big chocolate-flavored puddle."
At eighty-four pages, and with full-color illustrations on each page, this is the perfect early chapter book for children. It's filled with lots of fun Spanish words to provide windows and mirrors for young readers.
September 1, 2019
Me amor Juana y Lucas! I was delighted to discovered that Juana Medina wrote another book featuring Juana and Lucas. This autobiographical book chronicles her mother and stepfather's courtship and wedding from the achingly honest perspective of Juana. Readers are rewarded with an adorable picture from the wedding at the end of the book. I hope there are mas Juana and Lucas books in the future.
June 4, 2019
This sequel to Juana & Lucas, begins just as Juana is realizing that her just about perfect life has become a little less perfect lately. It starts when she notices that her mother is wearing her hair differently, using more perfume, more lipstick and even singing. And lately Juana has also been spending more time with her abuelos, or with her abuelo's sister Cecilia, nicknamed Piti, or she has been staying with her cousins Cami Pipe, which is nice since Lucas can come, too. But Juana misses spending time with her Mami, whose spending times elsewhere without her.
Change is in the air and it turns out that Mami has been dating a man named Luis. Luis asks Juana lots of questions about herself when they first meet, and she learns that he loves to take pictures (so does she), he has a house in the country, called La Finca, and Luis likes to listen to jazz (so does she). And she really likes visiting La Finca. But when Mami and Luis announce they are getting married, Juana is less than happy.
And now, Juana needs to pack all her things because she, Mami, and Luis will be moving to a new house. Not only that, but her abuelita's seamstress is called in to take measurements for wedding dresses, including one for Juana and a special bow tie for Lucas. Piti is making the wedding cake, and Juana is her official taster. And she is excited about the new house, too. Pretty soon, Juana's dress is ready, the cake is made, and the wedding day has arrived. By now, Juana has accepted that her life has changed in a big way, and she starting to enjoy it, especially the idea of more cousins, uncles and aunts. After all, "it might guarantee an adventure or two."
Once again, Juana's first person narration draws readers into her life as she deals with the trauma of change and a new stepfather. I liked that Medina included an aside that is very touching as Juana thinks about the father she doesn't really remember and wonders what life would have been life with him. And Mami's reassurances that not everything will change, that she will always be her Mami who loves Juana, not matter what, and who will take care of her, laugh with her, cook her favorite foods, was also a nice touch.
The ink and watercolor illustrations are every bit as playful and energetic as in the first book, capturing all of Juana's emotions that run from very happy to very sad. And once again, there are Spanish words sprinkled throughout Juana's story. Juana's asides might inspire young readers to think about what is good in their own lives.
Both Juana & Lucas books deal with the kind of ups and downs that kids anywhere might face, but I really thought this story might be way, way over the heads of my young readers. Happily, most of them really got into it, and we again had lots of discussions, especially regarding the topics in the asides that Juana includes. I really hope they revisit both of these books when they begin reading on their own.
As a sequel, Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas stands up very nicely in terms of execution and strong storyline, and with the short introduction to Juana's near perfect life in Bogotá, it can be read as a stand alone story.
And it is the humble opinion of my kids that Juana & Lucas and Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas are just about perfect. And we are hoping for more stories about Juana's life in Bogotá, Columbia with her best furry friend Lucas in the future.
You can download some handy Spanish/English flash cards to use along with Juana & Lucas. There is also a short Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas Activity Kit that can also be downloaded. Thanks to Candlewick Press for these.
This book was provided to me for review by Candlewick Press
Change is in the air and it turns out that Mami has been dating a man named Luis. Luis asks Juana lots of questions about herself when they first meet, and she learns that he loves to take pictures (so does she), he has a house in the country, called La Finca, and Luis likes to listen to jazz (so does she). And she really likes visiting La Finca. But when Mami and Luis announce they are getting married, Juana is less than happy.
And now, Juana needs to pack all her things because she, Mami, and Luis will be moving to a new house. Not only that, but her abuelita's seamstress is called in to take measurements for wedding dresses, including one for Juana and a special bow tie for Lucas. Piti is making the wedding cake, and Juana is her official taster. And she is excited about the new house, too. Pretty soon, Juana's dress is ready, the cake is made, and the wedding day has arrived. By now, Juana has accepted that her life has changed in a big way, and she starting to enjoy it, especially the idea of more cousins, uncles and aunts. After all, "it might guarantee an adventure or two."
Once again, Juana's first person narration draws readers into her life as she deals with the trauma of change and a new stepfather. I liked that Medina included an aside that is very touching as Juana thinks about the father she doesn't really remember and wonders what life would have been life with him. And Mami's reassurances that not everything will change, that she will always be her Mami who loves Juana, not matter what, and who will take care of her, laugh with her, cook her favorite foods, was also a nice touch.
The ink and watercolor illustrations are every bit as playful and energetic as in the first book, capturing all of Juana's emotions that run from very happy to very sad. And once again, there are Spanish words sprinkled throughout Juana's story. Juana's asides might inspire young readers to think about what is good in their own lives.
Both Juana & Lucas books deal with the kind of ups and downs that kids anywhere might face, but I really thought this story might be way, way over the heads of my young readers. Happily, most of them really got into it, and we again had lots of discussions, especially regarding the topics in the asides that Juana includes. I really hope they revisit both of these books when they begin reading on their own.
As a sequel, Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas stands up very nicely in terms of execution and strong storyline, and with the short introduction to Juana's near perfect life in Bogotá, it can be read as a stand alone story.
And it is the humble opinion of my kids that Juana & Lucas and Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas are just about perfect. And we are hoping for more stories about Juana's life in Bogotá, Columbia with her best furry friend Lucas in the future.
You can download some handy Spanish/English flash cards to use along with Juana & Lucas. There is also a short Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas Activity Kit that can also be downloaded. Thanks to Candlewick Press for these.
This book was provided to me for review by Candlewick Press
April 30, 2025
I didn’t think I’d connect so much with a story about a younger kid, but I really liked this book. It was funny and sweet, but also super real about how hard change can be. The story follows Juana, a girl living in Bogotá with her mom and her dog, Lucas. She’s happy with her life until her mom starts spending more time with a new guy, Luis. Juana’s not sure how she feels about it. Things really change when she finds out her mom and Luis are getting married and they’ll be moving. She has a lot of feelings about it, and the book does a great job showing what it’s like to go through big life changes when you're still trying to figure things out. The main themes are change, family, and growing up. One part that really stuck with me was when Juana didn’t want to talk about the wedding or moving, even though she liked Luis. That felt super real. Sometimes, even good changes are still hard. The genre is contemporary realistic fiction. It’s simple, honest, and has fun little illustrations that make it even more personal. It was a WOW book for me because the illustrations were so cute and the message about family and adjusting to change really hit home.
Two things I got from this book:
1. It’s totally normal to feel a lot of emotions when things in your life shift.
2. Kids could learn that it’s okay to speak up when they feel overwhelmed. I’d use this book to talk to my nephew about families, emotions, and how to handle changes.
The author used first-person voice and illustration style in a really good way. Juana’s voice felt super real, and the drawings helped break up the story and added personality. It felt like reading someone’s thoughts and doodles at the same time. This book follows the original Juana & Lucas, which won the Pura Belpré Award. However, it doesn’t feel like a sequel, and it still respectfully shows Colombian culture. It’s also an anti-bias book. It shows a multicultural family in a way that feels real and not stereotyped. It’s honest about feelings and shows how different types of families can be healthy and full of love.
Two things I got from this book:
1. It’s totally normal to feel a lot of emotions when things in your life shift.
2. Kids could learn that it’s okay to speak up when they feel overwhelmed. I’d use this book to talk to my nephew about families, emotions, and how to handle changes.
The author used first-person voice and illustration style in a really good way. Juana’s voice felt super real, and the drawings helped break up the story and added personality. It felt like reading someone’s thoughts and doodles at the same time. This book follows the original Juana & Lucas, which won the Pura Belpré Award. However, it doesn’t feel like a sequel, and it still respectfully shows Colombian culture. It’s also an anti-bias book. It shows a multicultural family in a way that feels real and not stereotyped. It’s honest about feelings and shows how different types of families can be healthy and full of love.
March 22, 2019
For as long as she remembers, Juana's immediate family has consisted of herself, her Mami, and her dog Lucas. But, suddenly, things are changing. Mami is wearing her hair in a different, fussy way that Juana doesn't like, and Mami is also wearing perfume and lipstick more often. Mami also has a new friend, Luis, who likes photography and jazz and occasionally takes Juana and Mami to his country house for a weekend. (Actually, Juana finds that she also likes photography and jazz, and she really likes the country house where she and Lucas can have lots of messy outdoor fun.) But still, she's not sure about Luis. One of her cousins says that her Mami and Luis will probably get married. What will that mean for Juana and Lucas? Will she have to wear a fussy, itchy dress and be a flower girl? (Not if she doesn't want to, Mami promises.) Will Luis move into their apartment -- or are even bigger changes on the way?
This illustrated chapter book, like the first book in the series (Juana & Lucas), is a pleasant story, great for newly independent readers, especially those who know a little (or a lot of) Spanish, as Spanish words are sprinkled, untranslated, throughout the text (definitions are not provided, but most can be inferred from context). Recommended to readers who enjoyed the first book in the series.
This illustrated chapter book, like the first book in the series (Juana & Lucas), is a pleasant story, great for newly independent readers, especially those who know a little (or a lot of) Spanish, as Spanish words are sprinkled, untranslated, throughout the text (definitions are not provided, but most can be inferred from context). Recommended to readers who enjoyed the first book in the series.
January 24, 2019
ADORED this one! Juana is a spirited voice in the world of chapter books. BIG PROBLEMAS follows her as she adapts to her mother finding love again and remarrying. Excellent writing many children will enjoy. BIG PLUS: it's set in Colombia! I'll be reading the first one in the series after this! Thanks to Candlewick Press for a digital galley.
April 27, 2019
This is a perfect early chapter book. Juana's voice is clever and endearing (so is Lucas). The pictures are fun, and interestingly presented, and they break up the text nicely (some illustrating the story, some character sketches with relevant information about the people, some labeled like a diagram or accompanied by lists) so the chapters are not overwhelming. Readers will be able relate to her trepidation and excitement about big changes in her life. I'll definitely read this with my smalls.
December 25, 2019
Winter break bookaday #9. Easy/beginning chapter book, nicely follows the first book as Juana’s family is experiencing a big change. Love the pics, love Lucas, and especially love the personal connections I make to the book with my year in Colombia so many years ago: spherical bunelos, chocolate con queso, and visiting the finca!
May 26, 2019
2019 Summer Book a Day #2
Love that Juana can see the Andes Mountains from her window!
Love that Juana can see the Andes Mountains from her window!
April 9, 2020
Gosh, I adored this.
And it would be really nice to teach inferencing with the Spanish words.
And it would be really nice to teach inferencing with the Spanish words.
September 4, 2021
A wonderful book about change for Juana, who lives with her dog and her mother in Colombia. Terrific story and also a nice multicultural perspective.
Recommended.
Recommended.
October 18, 2021
An enjoyable sequel to a wonderful book. Fun to read. Great example of peripheral diversity in an international book that many can relate to- whether it is a mirror or a window.
July 6, 2020
Juana’s mami isn’t spending as much time with her. Turns out she has a new friend, Luis. And they’re getting married! All kinds of changes and problemas for Juana and Lucas but all in all, even though it’s not perfeccion, it’s really not so bad. Who doesn’t love Juana and Lucas?!?
June 8, 2019
4.5 Stars. This is the second book in this early chapter series Juana and Lucas about a young girl living with her mother and dog in Bogotá. She is happy and loves things the way they are, but when her mami meets Luis and they plan to get married, Juana is worried how this will change everything. Even though she likes being with Luis and he teaches her stuff, she still wishes that her life would go back to the way it was before Luis was around. The story deals with her feelings and how she is able to deal with the changes this new situation will bring. I also like the smattering of Spanish we learn along the way. This is a realistic story that many children will identify with. The message of enduring love from our parents and other family members is easy to understand. I love the illustrations in this book. Juana and Lucas are child appropriate, with bright colours and large figures. The emotions Juana is feeling are evident on her face. The illustrations showing Bogotá and the surrounding areas are wonderful. This is a great story for children to learn about how other children might live somewhere else, but there are similarities as well as learning about unconditional love. I recommend this one to school libraries and family libraries, especially if there is a new relationship that might cause anxiety in the children. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon my request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
December 12, 2018
This is the humorous, heartwarming follow-up to the Pura Belpré Award–winning Juana & Lucas.
Juana is a perfectly happy and well adjusted little girl. It’s just her and her mami and her beloved dog Lucas. They live in the beautiful city of Bogotá. Now everything seems to be changing. Mami is styling her hair differently and there seems to be s new amigo named Luis with whom she has been spending a LOT of time. Luis is kind and teaches Juana about things like photography and jazz music, but sometimes Juana can’t help wishing things would go back to the way they were before. One day the inevitable happens, Mami announces that she and Luis are getting married and that they will all be moving to a new casa. This is extremely disconcerting to Juana. As this sweet story of family progresses, Juana learns some things will never change, like how much Mami loves her.
The book is based on the author-illustrator Juana Medina’s own childhood in Colombia. I think readers ages around 6-9 will find this second book in the series to be a joyful read.
I await the third book.
Juana is a perfectly happy and well adjusted little girl. It’s just her and her mami and her beloved dog Lucas. They live in the beautiful city of Bogotá. Now everything seems to be changing. Mami is styling her hair differently and there seems to be s new amigo named Luis with whom she has been spending a LOT of time. Luis is kind and teaches Juana about things like photography and jazz music, but sometimes Juana can’t help wishing things would go back to the way they were before. One day the inevitable happens, Mami announces that she and Luis are getting married and that they will all be moving to a new casa. This is extremely disconcerting to Juana. As this sweet story of family progresses, Juana learns some things will never change, like how much Mami loves her.
The book is based on the author-illustrator Juana Medina’s own childhood in Colombia. I think readers ages around 6-9 will find this second book in the series to be a joyful read.
I await the third book.
July 16, 2019
I had a blast reading Juana and Lucas: Big Problems. Author and illustrator Juana Medina, like the main character in her book, is from Bogotá, Columbia. I know some bilingual teachers who would be uncomfortable with the code switching in this book; I love it. For me, inserting some Spanish words in places where the context or illustrations make the word meanings plain adds color and flavor to this chapter book written mainly in English.
Juana, her Mami, and her dog Lucas have an almost perfect life together. They have a routine and a support group of family and friends that keep them happy. Things start to change when Mami gets a new hairstyle and starts wearing more perfume. The new man in Mami’s life is Luis, an architect. Juana likes him but she doesn’t want things to change, and she doesn’t want Mami and Luis to get married. We learn about Juana’s dad who passed away and about the sadness of not having a father. We share in the characters’ preparations for the wedding and the move. All of this is portrayed sensitively, but also with humor. The illustrations fit the book well.
I learned about a favorite Columbian soup, ajiaco. It is creamy and made of several types of potatoes that cook to various consistencies. It has corn on the cob, capers, chicken, sour cream, and herbs, and is topped with a slice of avocado. The other unfamiliar food to me is chocolate con queso. This special treat consists of hot chocolate with chunks of cheese—chihuahua, queso fresco, or mozzarella. Evidently it is a delight of sweet and salty and is served with bread. I’m ready for a trip to Columbia!
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Candlewick for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Juana, her Mami, and her dog Lucas have an almost perfect life together. They have a routine and a support group of family and friends that keep them happy. Things start to change when Mami gets a new hairstyle and starts wearing more perfume. The new man in Mami’s life is Luis, an architect. Juana likes him but she doesn’t want things to change, and she doesn’t want Mami and Luis to get married. We learn about Juana’s dad who passed away and about the sadness of not having a father. We share in the characters’ preparations for the wedding and the move. All of this is portrayed sensitively, but also with humor. The illustrations fit the book well.
I learned about a favorite Columbian soup, ajiaco. It is creamy and made of several types of potatoes that cook to various consistencies. It has corn on the cob, capers, chicken, sour cream, and herbs, and is topped with a slice of avocado. The other unfamiliar food to me is chocolate con queso. This special treat consists of hot chocolate with chunks of cheese—chihuahua, queso fresco, or mozzarella. Evidently it is a delight of sweet and salty and is served with bread. I’m ready for a trip to Columbia!
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Candlewick for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2019
Juana Medina delves into her own childhood in Colombia for her first book Juana and Lucas, winner of the 2017 Pura Belpre Award, and this sequel, Juana and Lucas Big Problemas. Life for Juana and for Lucas, her canine sidekick and best friend, borders on perfection in a city that smells of eucalyptus and fresh fruit with good neighbors who always welcome her into their home as long as she takes off her muddy sneakers before stepping on their carpet. Mami, her mother, is pretty fantastic, and her abuelos are about the most wonderful people who ever existed, even though they have existed for a very long time.
That happy life takes on an uneasy quality when Mami brings home a new amigo named Luis. She gets a new hairdo, begins to wear more perfume and lipstick, and sing more canciones. With Mami spending more time with Luis, Juana finds herself shuffled off to relatives. The relatives are fun, but still. Luis teaches Juana about taking pictures and music which makes him more likeable, but still.
This is a cheerful book about acclimating to a new stepfather, a fairly common mirror experience for children or for their friends. Spanish words and Colombian relationships make it a window into another culture. The ending author’s note tells that Juana Medina got into trouble at school for drawing cartoon versions of her teachers. Thankfully, she has held onto that skill to illustrate this delightful book.
That happy life takes on an uneasy quality when Mami brings home a new amigo named Luis. She gets a new hairdo, begins to wear more perfume and lipstick, and sing more canciones. With Mami spending more time with Luis, Juana finds herself shuffled off to relatives. The relatives are fun, but still. Luis teaches Juana about taking pictures and music which makes him more likeable, but still.
This is a cheerful book about acclimating to a new stepfather, a fairly common mirror experience for children or for their friends. Spanish words and Colombian relationships make it a window into another culture. The ending author’s note tells that Juana Medina got into trouble at school for drawing cartoon versions of her teachers. Thankfully, she has held onto that skill to illustrate this delightful book.
July 4, 2019
The first book in this series won the Pura Belpre Author Award in 2017. This second book continues to use the author’s own childhood in Bogota, Colombia as inspiration. Juana’s life is wonderful. She has her dog, Lucas, and her mother. But lately, her mother has been making some changes. Her hair is different and she has a boyfriend. Luis is nice and kind to Juana, but it’s a lot of change to deal with. When the two decide to get married and move to a new home, Juana is brokenhearted. But even though things are changing, some things will always be true, like how much Juana is loved.
Medina shares how traumatic major life changes can be to children without minimizing their emotional strain. At the same time, Juana is a resilient child, who is constantly facing life with an inherent optimism that pays off. Medina focuses on hope and love throughout the book, never allowing it to bog down and keeping the pace brisk.
Throughout this early chapter book, Spanish words are sprinkled in a way that makes sense to English-speaking readers. The setting is used nicely in the story and factors heavily into the illustrations which are friendly and have a warm cartoon feel.
Another winner from Medina! Appropriate for ages 4-6
Medina shares how traumatic major life changes can be to children without minimizing their emotional strain. At the same time, Juana is a resilient child, who is constantly facing life with an inherent optimism that pays off. Medina focuses on hope and love throughout the book, never allowing it to bog down and keeping the pace brisk.
Throughout this early chapter book, Spanish words are sprinkled in a way that makes sense to English-speaking readers. The setting is used nicely in the story and factors heavily into the illustrations which are friendly and have a warm cartoon feel.
Another winner from Medina! Appropriate for ages 4-6
January 27, 2019
I haven't read the first book in the series, but this one I absolutely loved. It's darling, you can see the child's perspective clearly without any adult interference.
There are a lot of basic Spanish words thrown in and I couldn't love this more! Yes, you or the child read to might not understand every Spanish word, but if you read the whole sentence or the whole paragraph it makes sense because the context helps. It's a great book to read to kids who are interested in learning Spanish.
It's also a great book to read to kids dealing with a mother or parent's second marriage, especially if the other parent died. I liked that it didn't focus too much on the absentee father, but slowly showed Juana's changing feelings towards her new step-father and towards the imminent move to another house.
I read the book on a black and white Kindle, so I don't know what the coloured illustrations look like, but I am sure they are lovely. Even the black and white ones were beautiful. It's a great chapter book for kids, but it can be equally enjoyed by adults.
I received a free e-book copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
There are a lot of basic Spanish words thrown in and I couldn't love this more! Yes, you or the child read to might not understand every Spanish word, but if you read the whole sentence or the whole paragraph it makes sense because the context helps. It's a great book to read to kids who are interested in learning Spanish.
It's also a great book to read to kids dealing with a mother or parent's second marriage, especially if the other parent died. I liked that it didn't focus too much on the absentee father, but slowly showed Juana's changing feelings towards her new step-father and towards the imminent move to another house.
I read the book on a black and white Kindle, so I don't know what the coloured illustrations look like, but I am sure they are lovely. Even the black and white ones were beautiful. It's a great chapter book for kids, but it can be equally enjoyed by adults.
I received a free e-book copy of the book from the publisher via Net Galley. All thoughts expressed here are my own.
July 10, 2019
This book addresses several problems/concerns of Juana: new stepdad, moving, leaving friends, and weddings. It emphasizes family with the fun and support that comes from them.
Juana is a young girl and Lucas her beloved dog. The story is written from Juana’s POV. This allows her to state in a short sentence(s). The writing is fluent even though the writing style changes from lists to narrative and back. Some words in the book are in Spanish. It allows children to recognize and pronounce the words in an English written story. I used my tablet to look up the translations of words I was not familiar with. What a great way to be introduced to the Spanish language within a story.
The illustrations are fun, bright and comical. They are attractive and contain a variety of items to be identified by the child.
This is a good book containing lessons about the importance of family over the inconveniences they cause. I recommend it for general reading, as well as when a stepparent or new dating partner is introduced.
I received an ARC from Candlewick Press through Goodreads in an exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.
Juana is a young girl and Lucas her beloved dog. The story is written from Juana’s POV. This allows her to state in a short sentence(s). The writing is fluent even though the writing style changes from lists to narrative and back. Some words in the book are in Spanish. It allows children to recognize and pronounce the words in an English written story. I used my tablet to look up the translations of words I was not familiar with. What a great way to be introduced to the Spanish language within a story.
The illustrations are fun, bright and comical. They are attractive and contain a variety of items to be identified by the child.
This is a good book containing lessons about the importance of family over the inconveniences they cause. I recommend it for general reading, as well as when a stepparent or new dating partner is introduced.
I received an ARC from Candlewick Press through Goodreads in an exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.
May 14, 2019
Dear Juana is back, telling the story of what her life is like recently, still loving her wonderful dog, Lucas. This time Juana tells the story and sometimes there are what I might call "list" pages with colorful illustrations to accompany them. For instance, she begins with why her life is "Almost Perfect". She includes her city, her Mami and Abuelos, her neighbors, and of course, her dog, Lucas. Lately, life is not so perfect because her Mami has a new hairdo and a new amigo names Luis. Juana likes Luis, yet wishes things could go back with just her and Mami. She is upset when she is told that her Mami and Luis are going to marry. Based on author-illustrator Juana Medina's childhood in Colombia, it's another friendly and realistic story of a child's life, the loving people in it and the ups and downs life sometimes holds. The illustrations are so sweet. Thanks to Candlewick Press for the advanced copy.
September 4, 2019
Juana Medina Rosas, a confident and sassy young girl from Bogotá, Colombia, loves living with her mother and her dog, Lucas, in a just-about perfect life (her home, her extended family--abuelos, aunt, cousins, neighbors--and her school). When Mami changes to a fancy hairstyle, begins wearing more perfume, sings more canciones, and brings her friend Luis around, Juana learns that things are about to change for her, and she doesn’t like change. Brightly-colored ink and watercolor illustrations with some double-page spreads (“Ajiaco is my favorite soup” with it ingredients; “Here’s what else I know”--about her deceased father; and a map of her new neighborhood) detail Juana’s life as her mother marries Luis and they move to their new casa. Although resistant at first, Juana adjusts to the changes happening to her and her family. “New and old might not add up to perfect, but life is interesting and that, right now, seems much better than perfección.”
March 24, 2019
Fun, engaging story about a young girl, Juana, which was based upon the author's childhood in Bogotá, Colombia. In this series installment, Juana is coping with changes that are brought by her mother's new relationship. I see this book helping young readers who might face similar circumstances: Juana's Mami becoming engaged, getting married, and moving the family to a new home. Some especially nice touches: Juana's preference for wearing pants to dresses is presented as valid. ("Girls who want to climb trees without scraping their knees and girls who want their legs to be warm would much rather wear pants.") Juana's relationship with her loyal dog, Lucas, is a stable constant in her life, and the book reassures that Mami will never stop being Juana's mami, even if she does remarry. Thank you to LibraryThing "Early Reviewers" program for a chance to read this book.
December 2, 2019
The format of this cross-over book is my favorite aspect of a cute story about a girl who loves her dog and maybe feels kinda-okay about getting a potential new step-parent. The illustrations are ADORBS and full of charm and fun details, Juana's voice is funny and uplifting (even when she's grumbling), and the book is part comic/part picture book/part lifestyle catalog with two-page spreads where Juana goes into detail about some aspect of her life, or another. Plot-wise, the tension in this book is light-light-light --like float away into the sunset, humming your favorite tune fluffy. That's not a deficit so much as a suggestion that readers or parents/guardians look elsewhere for stories that reflect harder feelings or angst around a parent's new relationship. This story is about FUN, and meets that goal with gold stars a-shining.
February 9, 2019
Juana is a happy, independent little girl who loves her dog, Lucas. She has become use to a life with just her and her mamí but worry creeps in when her mamí’s relationship with Luis, mamí’s boyfriend changes and they begin planning a wedding.
Juana’s honesty about her feelings over the changing relationship will engage readers going through a similar situation. Juana Medina also shares the beauty of Bogotá, Columbia, the countryside, the city and the wonderful foods eaten which will provide readers with a view into this beautiful city.
There is Spanish words sprinkled throughout the story and there are simple, colorful illustrations that show readers all that little Juana sees.
Digital ARC provided by Netgalley.
Juana’s honesty about her feelings over the changing relationship will engage readers going through a similar situation. Juana Medina also shares the beauty of Bogotá, Columbia, the countryside, the city and the wonderful foods eaten which will provide readers with a view into this beautiful city.
There is Spanish words sprinkled throughout the story and there are simple, colorful illustrations that show readers all that little Juana sees.
Digital ARC provided by Netgalley.
October 28, 2019
“Lately, Mami has been spending a lot of time elsewhere. Without me. A. LOT.”
Juana has been spending a lot of time with her cousins, because Mami has a new boyfriend, Luis. And though Juana loves her cousins, she misses spending time with her Mami. And she wonders how life would be different if her father hadn’t have died. “Mami was sad for a very long time.”
When Mami decides to marry Luis, Juana isn’t sure how it’s going to work. “So many questions. So many mysteries.” But Mami explains that there is no one more important to her than Juana and that “she’ll always be there for me, to love me, to take care of me, to laugh with me ...”
A good early chapter book covering a topic that is important for students today.
Juana has been spending a lot of time with her cousins, because Mami has a new boyfriend, Luis. And though Juana loves her cousins, she misses spending time with her Mami. And she wonders how life would be different if her father hadn’t have died. “Mami was sad for a very long time.”
When Mami decides to marry Luis, Juana isn’t sure how it’s going to work. “So many questions. So many mysteries.” But Mami explains that there is no one more important to her than Juana and that “she’ll always be there for me, to love me, to take care of me, to laugh with me ...”
A good early chapter book covering a topic that is important for students today.
December 19, 2019
My youngest was immediately drawn to this library book because of the cute dog on the cover but as we read it together, I quickly realized this was more than a sweet story about a girl named Juana and her dog Lucas.
It’s really the story of how Juana and her mami have surrounded themselves with people they love and trust since the death of Juana’s father. But now, her mami wants to bring someone new into their circle and Juana isn’t so sure about the changes that will come along with letting this man into their lives.
I honestly didn’t expect much from this book but I was pleasantly surprised by its storyline and its glimpse into life in Bogotá, Colombia.
It’s really the story of how Juana and her mami have surrounded themselves with people they love and trust since the death of Juana’s father. But now, her mami wants to bring someone new into their circle and Juana isn’t so sure about the changes that will come along with letting this man into their lives.
I honestly didn’t expect much from this book but I was pleasantly surprised by its storyline and its glimpse into life in Bogotá, Colombia.
April 21, 2020
For fans of the first book, the irrepressible Juana and her dog Lucas are back! Juana and her Mami and Lucas live in Bogota. Colombia. Juana loves her life, and is content with things just the way they are. Which is why she is NOT happy when Mami gets a new haircut and begins spending more and more time with her "friend" Luis. Juana's cousin says that maybe Mami is going to get married and that Juana can be a flower girl. But Juana doesn't want to be a flower girl - or to share her Mami with anyone. Although Luis does have a pretty nice country house... This short, illustrated chapter book is fun for all ages. It would make a great family read-aloud too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews