Catalina Incognito (Catalina Incognito #1)

by Jennifer Torres (Author) Gladys Jose (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

One Day at a Time meets Mindy Kim in this first book in a charming new chapter book series about Catalina Castaneda, a Mexican American girl with a magical sewing kit!

Catalina Castaneda is not persnickety, even though that's what her parents and sister, Coco, like to think. Catalina just likes things the way she likes them--perfect. That's why it's very hard to hide her disappointment when her glamorous Tía Abuela, a famous telenovela actress, gives her an old sewing kit for her eighth birthday. However, Catalina soon discovers the sewing kit isn't as boring as she thinks--it's magic, turning ordinary clothing into magical disguises.

When Tía Abuela's most famous costume has rhinestones stolen from it where it's being displayed at the local library, Catalina gets to work on creating the perfect disfraz (disguise) to track down the thief. But, as Tía Abuela warned her, the magic is only as strong as her stiches, and Catalina doesn't always have the patience for practice...

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School Library Journal

In this first installment in a new delightful series, Mexican American Catalina Castañeda turns eight, receives a magical sewing kit from Tía Abuela, learns to try new things, and solves a mystery. Torres successfully strikes a balance between the realistic family-oriented plot and the light infusion of magical elements. Readers have ample opportunity to get to know good-natured "persnickety" Catalina, who pays close attention to detail, organizes her books by color and author's last name, and is outgrowing her family nickname "Kitty-Cat." The story zips along as readers become invested in Catalina's quest for the truth. The inclusion of Spanish terms and phrases lends a sense of authenticity to the characters, while the use of English translations organically integrated into the narrative will assist young readers with comprehension without pulling them from the story. Foreshadowing and black-and-white illustrations help readers both predict and visualize the key magical moments in the book. Chapter book readers ready for slightly smaller font with some advanced words will enjoy Catalina's spunk and humor, her relationship with her sparkly Tía Abuela, and the way in which Catalina learns to navigate the world. Simultaneous publication of volume 2, The New Friend Fix, with volume 3 and 4 planned for later in the year ensures that children will get a chance to go on more magical mystery adventures with Catalina. VERDICT A strongly recommended choice for chapter book collections. 

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

ALA/Booklist

Catalina is a hilarious middle child, and readers will delight in her intuitive observations of the world as she sleuths and sews her way into their hearts.
Jennifer Torres
Jennifer Torres is the award-winning author of Stef Soto, Taco Queen; The Fresh New Face of Griselda; and other books for young readers. She writes stories about home, friendship, and unexpected courage inspired by her Mexican American heritage. Jennifer started her career as a newspaper reporter, and even though she writes fiction now, she hopes her stories still have some truth in them. She lives with her family in Southern California.

Gladys Jose is an illustrator and storyteller. She graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2012, where she earned a bachelor's degree in fine arts, specializing in graphic design. Gladys is the illustrator of Library Fish, Fresh Princess, The Elephants' Guide to Hide-and-Seek, and the Once Before Time chapter book series.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781534482791
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Aladdin Paperbacks
Publication date
March 08, 2022
Series
Catalina Incognito
BISAC categories
JUV039050 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings
JUV013000 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | General
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
JUV011030 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Hispanic & Latino
Library of Congress categories
Persistence
Magic
Stealing
Hispanic Americans
Disguise
Great aunts

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