Rica Baptista: Llamas, iguanas, and my very best friend by Janet Costa Bates, illustrated by Gladys Jose

 Rica, short for Frederica, is very intent on getting a pet. Maybe a llama, maybe a penguin... it's urgent, because she overheard a conversation and it sounds like her best friend Laini will be moving to Florida! She desperately needs a pet to keep her company and soon. Unfortunately, her parents have a list of reasons why she can't get a pet and Laini will have to try, try, and try again if she wants to convince them in time before Laini leaves!

This is spot-on, from Rica's hopefully silly desire for a pot-bellied pig, a marmoset, or a sloth to her good-hearted but not very successful attempts at proving she's responsible enough for a pet. In the end, her determination pays off, and she learns some good lessons about being resilient and kind to others - as well as not eavesdropping, when it turns out Laini isn't moving after all!

It's nice to see the Black child as the main character, not the sidekick friend of the story, and Rica is a not a wildly exuberant child, a la Junie B., although she has plenty of quirks. The casual inclusion of her faith, as she writes down her prayers to God, is a nice touch as well, since most realistic beginning chapter books don't include this part of many children's lives.

Verdict: Humorous and relatable, with a touch of wish-fulfillment at the end, this will be a popular addition to realistic fiction beginning chapters and has some unique features that set it apart. Hand to fans of Frankie Sparks, Ellie Engineer, and Stink. It is not specifically noted as a series, but readers will certainly be looking for another adventure of Rica and her family.

ISBN: 9781536216301; Published October 2022 by Candlewick; Borrowed from another library in my consortium; Added to the order list