Mirelle Ortega

Growing up on a pineapple farm in Mexico, a girl discovers the true meaning of the word magic in this truly magical picture book about change and transformation of all kinds — what we can't control, such as natural disasters and loss, and what we can. Magic can transform dirt into pineapples, seeds into trees, wool into blankets, words into stories, blank pages into pictures and stories into book.

A young girl dreams of the land’s historic mariposas amarillas and is determined to re-create their glory, even if her butterflies are made of paper. But when nature thwarts her plans, life, magic, and yes, even the rain, bring something more beautiful than she ever could have crafted. Based on the author’s own memories of a hurricane that diverted the migration of thousands of butterflies through her hometown near Veracruz, Mexico, this beautiful story captures the essence of imagination and the beauty of the unexpected.

Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos in Spanish, is a happy celebration. The Mexican holiday is a time to welcome back loved ones who are no longer with us. This is done with offerings of favorite foods, brightly colored marigolds, sugar skulls, and more. This Little Golden Book is a great read-aloud for families that celebrate Day of the Dead, as well as for those who want to learn more about it.