“This to-the-point cautionary tale is one that children must heed and learn from and a scenario that caregivers and kids should discuss together…Adopting a child’s-eye view of the world in many scenes, the colorful illustrations brim with kid appeal.” —Kirkus Reviews (Full review)
Playful storytelling, bright illustrations, and a little helpful wisdom meet in this universal story about wandering off from Mama.
“The tips at the end of the book are invaluable on teaching a child what they need to do should they get separated in a shop, or store from their parent or guardian.” —Donna Maguire (Goodreads)
“It is a very good story for children and this could be their one-time bedtime story too. The author kept the theme so realistic and good for children to learn how not to roam around and lost in places outside their own house… Illustrations were also very lively, and soothing to eyes while read.” —Ankit Saxena (Goodreads)
Rafael is finally old enough to visit the supermarket without having to ride up top in the cart. He promises Mama he will stay by her side, and for a while, he does . . . but after enjoying the cookie samples from the wonderful-smelling bakery section, Rafa sees a wayward berry bounce past and he chases after it. The next thing he knows, none of the legs look familiar. Where is his mama?
A sweet, clever, and wise story that every parent and wandering child will recognize as their own. A special Q&A at the end contains expert advice about what to do should your own little Rafa go wandering in a sea of unfamiliar legs.
Themes: self-reliance; shopping; lost; safety; strangers; supermarket; diverse; hispanic; bakery
Publishing date: September 24th 2024
ISBN: 978-1-958325-22-3 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 978-1-958325-31-5 (ebook)
Hardcover: $18.99 US
Ebook: $9.99 US
Length: 32 pages
Size: 10.5 x 9 inches
Ages: 4-8
Grade: K-3
AUTHOR: Angie Lucas
ILLUSTRATOR: Ana Sanfelippo
Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.
“The plotline is simple and effective. I like how the book doesn’t show Rafa to be a naughty kid who didn’t follow instructions and thus ended up lost. It goes to show that anyone can be in a similar situation, and being careful is not something meant only for mischievous children.
The setting being a supermarket leads to a bonus advantage. There are loads of vegetables and fruits in the graphics, which can lead to interactive learning opportunities.
The illustrations are outstanding. The cover art gives you a great idea of the inside graphics. Bright pastels in various colors make for a nice contrast against the white backdrop. The humans come in realistically diverse sizes and colors, and of course, varying bottom-wear fashions, further confusing our pint-sized protagonist. Rafa is sketched appropriately small, so all he can see at his eye-level are legs – loved how realistic this was! There seems to be another child in the background who has also “lost” her mommy. Keep an eye out for her because the two kids’ arcs merge at the end.” — Rosh (Goodreads)
Angie Lucas writes little stories about big childhood challenges—from navigating embarrassment and grief to getting lost in a grocery store. Having hugged the wrong legs at Peterson’s Market, circa 1981, Angie understands the anguish of being lost and the joy of being reunited with the right legs once again. And as an adult, she’s been the “wrong legs” to a wandering child more than once. Angie lives with her precious patchwork family near Salt Lake City, Utah. Her favorite cookie is the snickerdoodle. Find her at angielucas.com
Photo by Jordan Bree.
Ana Sanfelippo is an artist and graphic designer from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is the illustrator of the IBBY-honored Perfect Project: A Book about Autism, selected as an “Outstanding Book for Young People with Disabilities.” Among other accolades, her illustrated collection of pottery received a “Good Design Seal” from Buenos Aires’ Metropolitan Design Center. Her vibrant art combines many by-hand techniques and has exhibited in Argentina, Slovakia, England, Canada, and Spain. Find her at anasanfelippo.com
“A kid-friendly primer on addressing the elephant in the room—metaphorical and otherwise.” —Kirkus
When new dogs move next door and invite themselves over for breakfast, it can test a girl’s patience. But when the dogs eat all the bacon? That’s just rude.
“Laugh, dance, and sing along with the Tractor Squad! An ideal storytime selection to help little ones get their wiggles out.” —Kirkus
“The incredible illustrations bring this story roaring to life. . . A meaningful, modern fable.” —Kirkus
