Award-winning children’s book publisher Cuento de Luz, announces plans for its newest title, Valeria, in both English and Spanish and printed on Cuento de Luz’s signature stone paper. Inspired by the parental need to protect and encourage, Valeria reminds readers of the importance of believing in themselves starting at a young age. Taken from the author and illustrator’s real-life experiences, Valeria is a story about strengthening inner confidence and building self-esteem, told artfully through the eyes of the main character, a young bunny. The kindhearted and realistic story inspires young children to feel comfortable in their own skin as they follow Valeria, a wild and free spirit who has a particular way of seeing the world, along her journey.
The Story
Valeria is a young bunny who loves learning, going to school and being outdoors. Being very shy, she hides her best traits, from holding in her infectious laughter, hiding her hair under her big hat, and refraining from giving hugs. Valeria underestimates the power and strength of her abilities, hugs, laughter and kisses, which she keeps all to herself, and spends her days walking while looking down at the ground.
She comes to recognize all of her classmates by their shoes until one day, when she least expects it, her inseparable hat flies away. Valeria is forced to look up, and before long forgets all about her hat. She begins discovering everything she has missed, and from that moment on, she discovered a new appreciation for the world around her and the power that she has.
Evaluation comments:
“Teaches the reader about being comfortable with who they are, seeing their own strengths and skills and what they can do for the people and world.”
“I like that this book celebrates each character’s differences as unique and special. A great book to teach about self-esteem and that each child is special and has different gifts to offer the world around them.”
“There is value in the idea that things look differently by changing the point of view, and by looking at something from a different vantage point lessons are learned and that’s how we grow.”
“The book is sweet and cute and the illustrations are whimsical. I liked that the character was shy and insecure, but grew as she was able to see her friends from a different point of view.”
“The topic will spark conversation.”
