About this item

Valentina was born on an island formed by fire, surrounded by blue-green sea. As a Galapaguea, Valentina spends her days observing the natural world around her. She greets sea lions splashing on the shore, scampers over lava rocks with Sally-lightfoot crabs, and swims with manta rays. But Valentina also understands the fragility of this wondrous world, and she makes a solemn promise to protect the islands and her animal friends. This delightful bilingual story was inspired by the childhood of Valentina Cruz, whose family was one of the first permanent inhabitants of the Galpagos. Valentina is now a biologist and naturalist guide who has dedicated her life to the conservation of the islands. Whimsical illustrations by Pura Belpr Honor recipient Angela Dominguez transport readers to these unique islands, which shelter a diverse number of plant and animal species, many found of which can be found nowhere else on the planet. Come discover this beautiful world with Valentina and her animal friends!



About the Author

Marsha Diane Arnold

Called a "born storyteller" by the media, Marsha Diane Arnold's stories have been called "wacky," "whimsical," "inspiring," "beguiling," "heartwarming," "uplifting," and "great read-clouds."

She wrote the award-winning "homegrown treasures" column before becoming a multi-award winning picture book author. Her books include HEART OF A TIGER named Best First Book by a New Author, THE PUMPKIN RUNNER, a Smithsonian Notable, and ROAR OF A SNORE which was selected three times for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Marsha's most recent books include LOST. FOUND. from Neal Porter Books, WAITING FOR SNOW from Houghton Mifflin, and BABY ANIMALS TAKE A BATH and BABY ANIMALS TAKE A NAP from Charlesbridge.

Marsha also writes a monthly blog for Children's Book Academy and has an online course, WRITING WONDERFUL CHARACTER-DRIVEN PICTURE BOOKS at http://www.childrensbookacademy.com/writing-character-driven-stories.html.

When not creating imaginative worlds and wacky characters at her home in Florida, Marsha enjoys traveling the world, scuba diving, hiking, gardening, and (like her characters) always trying new things. To learn more about Marsha's books or to contact her, visit www.marshadianearnold.com.



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