Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena

Ages 3 to 6, Grades K And Under

A festive nochebuena treat for little ones who believe in the magic of Christmas (and the deliciousness of cake)!

On the night before Christmas, a spark of magic lights up Lita's Pastelería, and Esperanza Caramelo blinks open her eyes. Esperanza is a spun-sugar ornament, meant to sit atop the Nochebuena cake—but tonight she whirls through the bakery, singing and dancing, throwing a fiesta with all the other ornaments until . . . disaster strikes! 

Can the cake be saved in time for Christmas? The clock is ticking, but on Nochebuena, anything is possible—and Esperanza never gives up hope.

Story Locale:A small town in Mexico

About the Author

Karla Arenas Valenti writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she's picked up in her many travels around the world. Esperanza Caramelo is inspired by her abuela—a talented baker! Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. In addition to picture books, she is the author of the award-winning middle grade novel Loteria.

Author Residence: Chicago, IL

Author Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

Elisa Chavarri has illustrated numerous books for children including Pura Belpre Honor book Sharuko. She graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she majored in classical animation and minored in comics. Elisa hails from Lima, Peru, and resides in Alpena, Michigan, with her husband and two young children.

Illustrator Residence:Alpena, MI

Illustrator Hometown:Lima, Peru