Bates, Janet Costa. Llamas, Iguanas, and My Very Best Friend. Gladys Jose, Illus. Rica Baptista Series. Candlewick, 10/2022. 117pp. Fiction. Trade $16.99. 978-1-5362-1630-1. GRADES 3 – 5. ADDITIONAL.
Rica (full name Fredrica) wants a pet, so she and her best friend Laini brainstorm many ways to raise the needed money and to show her parents that she is responsible enough to care for a pet. While the ideas are not great, and often flop, they help show her determination and focus. In the process she becomes closer with Liani and also manages to convince her parents. Jose’s sprinkling of b&w illustrations help the reader envision the story and show that Rica is Black and Laini white (they are ethnically indeterminate otherwise). Rica demonstrates determination and the importance of listening.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library