Reviews

Set in Puerto Rico, Violeta and her parents are helping Abuelita settle back in after the destruction of Hurricane María. Violeta knows Abuelita hasn't been happy away from home and she wants to do all she can to help. This story has magical creatures and adventure along with lessons about friendship and family. The story has Spanish sprinkled in which I really enjoy and the art is simply wonderful. Strongly recommend!
Content Warning: Kidnapping, post Hurricane María
MG - Contemporary: Magic Realism- Stand Alone
Format: Paperback

laurensbookvibes's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

howlinglibraries's review against another edition

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4.0

Saving Chupie was so cute! I love cryptids, and I especially love chupacabras, so I've been eagerly awaiting this release and it didn't let me down. The art is stunning, Chupie is the cutest little guy, and I loved the storyline's themes of family, making friends, loyalty, forgiveness, and learning how to accept help even when we want to do everything on our own (for both adults and kids). I'd highly recommend this to any kid (or kid at heart) who enjoys fun adventure stories with monsters and beasties.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.

✨ Representation: all characters are Puerto Rican

hckilgour's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

A super cute book with a good bit of Puerto Rican culture to boot.

So I really liked that this book semi focused on rebuilding after Hurricane Maria. Like I don’t think enough people realize how devastating that storm was.

But this book was also about friendship.

Mostly, I now want a iguana puppy aka a Chupacabra.

therearenobadbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny informative mysterious

5.0

Awww I loved this story, it had two main focuses, returning grandmother to her house in Puerto Rico, after the devastation of Hurricane Maria, rebuilding La Casita her restaurant, and saving a local legendary animal that is accused of killing the local cattle. The grown-ups want Violeta to enjoy her days as a child, but she makes new friends and they investigate what they can to protect Chupie, who appeared to Violeta.
It's adventurous and funny with great facial expressions, movement, an amazing climax, and also an amazing conclusion to both focuses. I loved the three friends stepping up and saving the day.
At the end of the book, there are a few pages like a traveling journal with some of the local animals that are not so legendary.
Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this eARC.

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