This is such a cute book — I adored it! Juana has settled into a comfortable daily routine when her parents tell her a new baby is on the way. And if that's not enough, she's also going to roller-skating camp on the school break. So many changes! But Juana is resilient and has Lucas by her side, so she's ready for anything.

JUANA AND LUCAS: MUCHOS CHANGES is a fun bilingual (English/Spanish) book for early readers. Spanish words are incorporated where an English word could be anticipated, and many of the Spanish words contain etymological similarities to the expected English word, so even readers who don't know Spanish can figure out the meaning from context clues. It's a smart strategy for both supporting bilingual readers and encouraging Spanish understanding.

The story is lovely. Readers get glimpses of life and culture in Colombia, and the first-person telling allows readers to follow Juana's emotional arc as well as the plot. Juana's character is beautifully realized — nuanced and identifiable — and Juana's extended community is full of loving, caring people of various ages, an inclusive world I enjoyed visiting. Young readers are sure to want more of Juana's story — luckily there are two books to read back through, plus potential for future books in this series.

JUANA AND LUCAS: MUCHOS CHANGES is a delight! If you work with beginner readers, be sure to add this book to your collection. ( )

Juana & Lucas: Muchos Changes literally made me LOL several times. I loved the illustrations and Juana's strong sense of self. Juana is looking forward to a relaxing summer vacation, but then her mami springs two surprises on her: Juana will be going to camp, and the family is having a new baby! Juana isn't too pleased with either of these surprises, but she approaches them both with a willingness to try and ends up excited about and enjoying both.

This book is primarily in English, but smoothly integrates Spanish as well in a way that feels natural and authentic. I have an ARC now, but I will definitely purchase this when it becomes available and add it to my elementary school library to support literacy in both languages.

**** This book was sent to me through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program but all thoughts and opinions are my own. **** ( )