Playful storytelling, bright illustrations, and a little helpful wisdom meet in this universal story about wandering off from Mama.

Rafa and the Wrong Legs

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

Universal story with multi-ethnic cast
Gently teaches young readers what to do should they wander off and become lost in a sea of unfamiliar legs
Playful storytelling and bright illustrations
Add on free materials filled with advise about how to prevent a child getting lost, and what to teach them to stay safe
WHO WILL ENJOY IT: Readers of Little Owl Lost
COMPS: Little Owl Lost, If I Get Lost: Stay Put, Remain Calm, and Ask for Help, I Won’t Go with Strangers

Available at your favorite bookstores or online retailers.

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