Bella's Recipe for Success by Ana Siqueira, and illustrated by Geraldine Rodriguez, is an uplifting story of a girl named Bella who struggles to find her talent shows kids the value of practicing a new skill, and that it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Bella wants to find out what she's good at. But she quits everything she (barely) tries because she's a disaster at it. Her somersaults are like clumsy jirafas rolling downhill, her piano playing like elephant feet. When she decides to learn how to bake with her wise old abuela, her first attempt at dulce de leche frosting looks like scaly cocodrilo skin. She must learn it's okay to try again or she won't be good at anything.

Peppered with Spanish vocabulary and set in an intergenerational Latinx home, Bella's Recipe for Success will show all kids the value of practicing to learn a new skill, and that it's okay to make mistakes along the way. Includes a recipe for Polvorones con Dulce de Leche at the back of the book so kids can have fun making their own.

Product Information

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Title: Bella's Recipe for Success
By: Ana Siqueira
Illustrated By: Geraldine Rodríguez
Format: Hardcover
Number of Pages: 32
Vendor: Beaming Books
Publication Date: 2021

Dimensions: 10.25 X 8.75 X 0.25 (inches)
Weight: 13 ounces
ISBN: 1506468101
ISBN-13: 9781506468105
Ages: 4-7
Stock No: WW6468105

Publisher's Description

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If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Bella wants to find out what she's good at. But she quits everything she (barely) tries because she's a disaster at it. Her somersaults are like clumsy jirafas rolling downhill, her piano playing like elephant feet. When she decides to learn how to bake with her wise old abuela, her first attempt at dulce de leche frosting looks like scaly cocodrilo skin. She must learn it's okay to try again or she won't be good at anything. Peppered with Spanish vocabulary and set in an intergenerational Latinx home, Bella's Recipe for Success will show all kids the value of practicing to learn a new skill, and that it's okay to make mistakes along the way.

A recipe for Polvorones con Dulce de Leche is included at the back of the book so kids can have fun making their own.

Author Bio

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Ana Siqueira is a Spanish-language elementary teacher and an award-winning Brazilian children's book author based in Tampa, Florida. Her picture books include Bella's Recipe for Success, Vera La Valiente Is Scared, If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja, and Abuela's Super Capa, among many others. Ana is also a global educator, a PBS Media innovator, and an SCBWI member. She lives in Palm Harbor, Florida, with her husband and loves to play with her Cuban-Brazilian-American grandkids.

Geraldine Rodríguez is a Mexican illustrator and digital artist who enjoys telling stories through colors and lines. In addition to Bella's Recipe for Success, Geraldine is the illustrator of Cinco de Mayo and the Adventures of Samuel Oliver series.

Editorial Reviews

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With a sprinkle of love and a dash of Abuela's encouragement, Bella's Recipe for Success is a warm reminder that we each have our own unique gifts, and not everyone is fabulosa on the first try. Young readers will find much to savor (including a recipe!) in Ana Siqueira's delicioso debut. --Anika Denise, author of A Girl Named Rosita, Planting Stories, and The Love Letter

"Children and adults alike will enjoy this multi-generational tale of a girl for whom achievement doesn't come easily. Little ones will laugh at her funny comparisons and identify with her failed attempts. They surely will be inspired, like Bella, to never give up and, ultimately, to enjoy the sweet taste of success. A fun recipe is a plus!" --Lynne Marie Pisano author of Let's Eat! Mealtime Around the World and The Star in the Christmas Play

Bella's Recipe for Success is a story about perseverance, persistence, and a special relationship. The heartwarming tale will remind readers that each of us is unique and special, with one-of-a-kind abilities. --Rob Sanders, author of Ruby Rose, Ball and Balloon, and Mayor Pete