Read, Write, Repeat.

In a traditional quinceañera, everyone’s focus is on the girl turning 15 years old. She wears a fancy dress, gets gifts and has a party in her honor. 

And as Lolo, the main character in Caren McNelly McCormack’s debut picture book, The Fiesta Dress, finds out, it’s not much fun being the little sister.

First off, everyone is too busy fussing and planning to play with her. Her sister is primping, her aunties are cooking, her uncles are hanging lights and her cousins are playing video games. Even her dog rushes right by her when she opens the laundry room door. And when her dog runs off with Lolo’s big sister’s sash, Lolo has to save the day.

Helen, today’s guest reviewer, knows all about being the youngest. She has two older brothers, but she knows how to get their attention.

“I just say, ‘Hey, guys! I’m trying to talk to you!” she says.

Here’s what Helen had to say about this Marshall Cavendish book.

Today’s reviewer: Helen.

Age: 7

Things I like to do: Play with my friends, Izzy and Sofia. Play with my scooter at home.

This book was about: A girl who had a fiesta party. People were so busy, they didn’t see that she was doing almost the same thing as they were. She felt lonely. Her dog was in the laundry room to get it out of the way, but she opened the door and it got out and it took her sister’s white sash and it got ripped. She got in trouble and gulped a big gulp. She had to figure out how to fix things.

The best part was when: Everyone started playing with her at the end.

I laughed when: She poofed her face with powder like her sister.

I was worried when: I thought she would get in trouble for letting her dog out of the laundry room.

I was surprised when: She got to be with everyone and not just alone.

This book taught me: To tell the truth instead of not telling people anything.

Three words that best describe this book: “Fiesta.” “Quinceañera.” ”Dresses.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book is: “They never see me slipping one into my pocket …”

You should read this book because: There are some pretty dresses.

Thanks, Helen!

The warm, family story is perfectly complemented by Martha Aviles’ illustrations. Lolo is adorable, the quinceañera dresses are beautiful and there’s a handy glossary in the back that explains what a quinceañera is and defines some Spanish words.

You can learn more abut author Caren McNelly McCormack by visiting her website.

You can learn more about illustrator Martha Aviles by visiting this website.