Bella's Recipe for Success
What’s inside...
Bella has talented siblings but she is unsure of her own talents, so she embarks on a quest to discover her special gift. Along the way, she learns the importance of perseverance and never giving up. The story is infused with Spanish vocabulary and set in an intergenerational Latinx household. Bella learns to bake with her wise old abuela, facing challenges and realizing the significance of practicing to learn a new skill. The book also includes a recipe for Polvorones con Dulce de Leche, encouraging children to practice and make their own treats.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Bella
Abuela
Discussion points
What do you think Bella learned about trying new things? How do you feel when you try something new?
Why is it important for Bella to keep trying, even when she makes mistakes? Can you think of a time when you kept trying something hard?
How do the people around Bella help her to succeed? Who helps you when you are trying something difficult?
What does success mean to Bella at the end of the story? What does success mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Bella's experiences, relating them to their own.
Discuss the value of perseverance and how making mistakes is a natural part of learning something new.
Highlight how support from family and friends plays a vital role in overcoming challenges, and ask your child about the people who support them in their endeavors.
Talk about different definitions of success and how personal satisfaction is more important than perfect results.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Bella keeps trying different activities, such as baking, even though her initial attempts do not meet her expectations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of continuing to try and improve in their endeavors, whether in academics, sports, or hobbies, despite initial setbacks.
Example Lesson: Family Support
Explanation: Bella's family, particularly her brother and abuela, encourage her and offer constructive feedback, helping her refine her skills.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of seeking and valuing support from family members when facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Small Wins
Explanation: Bella learns to take pride in the small successes, like finally making a perfect cookie, which boosts her confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to recognize and celebrate their own small successes, which can increase their self-esteem and motivation.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Each failed attempt at baking teaches Bella something new, assisting her to eventually succeed.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to view mistakes as learning opportunities, fostering a growth mindset that is crucial for personal development.