Marco, Pablo, and Olivia: Bella The Alpaca by Ana Cortes

Recounting a nostalgic adventure with a magical creature looking for a home, author Ana Cortes spins another heartwarming tale in Marco, Pablo, and Olivia: Bella The Alpaca. The three siblings once again face their fears and learn valuable lessons in confidence, forgiveness, and friendship as they work together to find their way home.

Just a week into their new lives on the coast of Ecuador, the siblings at the heart of this colorful series think back to a fond memory of their previous home when they tried to adopt a magical alpaca they had discovered in their yard. Their parents were strictly against the idea, recounting negative past pet experiences, but this plant-whispering creature was remarkably different…particularly once it fell asleep.

As is true of the first book in this series, Cortes deftly explores important ideas beneath the whimsical innocence of her storytelling. Looking after those who are less fortunate, taking personal responsibility, and taking the occasional leap of faith are all powerful messages for a children’s book, but they are seamlessly sewn into this vividly told tale. The brilliant illustrations and the dynamic flow of dialogue make this book both a pleasure to read and a testament to thoughtful layout and design. There are a few small grammatical slips (“many” vs “much”), but the straightforward writing is clear, amusing, and neatly crafted.

With books of this caliber, Cortes and her trio of thoughtful siblings should have a future on the bookshelves of forward-thinking and compassionate families everywhere.