I liked the use of theater in this book and how children who are into theater could find themselves in this piece. I thought that the drawings fell flat however, but I'm not sure if it was because it was a digital ARC

A very sweet story about overcoming fears when it comes to stage fright. This book is the first in its series and I am interested to see where it goes.

Maria and Mateo are cousins who both audition for the school play. Maria is fully confident up until the point of actually going onto the stage. Only through the kindness and ‘team’ behind her does she build up her confidence to do it.
I enjoyed that there are Spanish words weaved into the story as it was very easy to understand and not too overpowering so that the reader forgot the story.
The illustrations are very colourful and compliment the story, it is a combination of picture book and one for young readers.

Lovely book for children struggling with nerves.

I received an electronic ARC from North Star Editions through NetGalley.
Book one in this series.
It's audition day and cousins, Mateo and Maria, are excited to try out for the school play. Readers meet them when they are heading for school that morning, and then time moves swiftly to the after school auditions. The characters' excitement and nerves come through in the easy to read text and the illustrations. Maria freezes on stage when it is her turn to share her monologue for the audition, and Predoi shows readers ways to cope with this through her teacher character. This reinforces readers finding their own courage and being creative when things don't go as planned. Terrific read for mid-elementary level.
I appreciate the discussion questions and glossary included at the end of the book.

Cute story about overcoming fears especially stage fright. Maria gets help from the teacher, her cousin, her family. It’s great how Spanish words are incorporated with easy understanding.

This is a great opener to a new series! I love that they're cousins. I love that he has two moms. I love that they are all one big, mixed family. I love that she is confident up until the moment and then it's through others hyping her up that she finds her confidence. This is so great for kids who struggle with nerves AND for kids who need a reminder that hyping someone up can really make all the difference.

I can't wait to read more!

This is a very sweet book about two cousins that audition for the school play. They love the theatre and are prepared, however one of them gets stage fright right before the audition and with the help of her cousin and her teacher she manages to overcome her stage fright.

The characters weave in Spanish words when speaking to each other and the words are easily understood in the context and sometimes with the help of the illustrations.
Certain theatre terms are explained in a playful way that makes it easy for children to understand.
As someone who does community theatre I could learn something about the origins of the saying "break a leg".

The illustrations are simple, colourful and complimentary to the story without taking away the storyline from the written word.

I can definitely recommend this book for children aged 6 and up, especially if they are interested in theatre and being on stage.

Such a precious story!

I love the tias!

"I see your imaginations are working today."

This story will definitely get kids' imaginations going! Theater is such a great place for kids to learn to express themselves, and be open to possibilities!

"Nervous?! It's like there are a thousand mariposas flying in my stomach!"

Don't forget the fun discussion questions at the end!

Maria and Mateo are both second graders who are talented and love being up on stage. It's audition day and both are extremely excited to try out for a part in their school play.

When it's Maria's turn she gets so nervous and scared that she experiences stage fright. Oh NOOOO! Her loving teacher kindly steps in to help her. She teaches Maria a wonderful life lesson. Stage fright can happen to anyone and the art of improvisation can save the day!

I love the diversity of the students and that the author includes Spanish words throughout the story. The beautiful illustrations are vibrant, full of emotion, and relatable. There is a glossary at the back which gives additional information. I love the book and highly recommend it!

The narrative quality is better suited to picture books than young readers' books. Expressive illustrations aren't enough to make up for the clunky plainness of the text. It's unfortunate that the content falls flat because Hispanic children and bilingual prose are lacking in the YR category.

Matteo and Maria are so excited about auditions for the school play, all day they wait excitedly for it to be time. When the time comes Maria is suddenly nervous and struggles to move, but with the right encouragement from her teacher she finds a way through it.

Adorable absolutely adorable. I really love theatre so this book was an instant I want to read, but it had a really sweet storyline. With how to overcome stage fright which can happen to anyone at anytime.

I really loved the excitability of Maria and Matteo they literally couldn’t wait at all to go to auditions and be part of the school show. It was so great and they knew so much already before they got there. I really loved the teacher and how she handled the kids, she made it a really fun audition for them.

This book is great, it has inclusivity, it teaches Spanish, it teaches so much about musical theatre and also teaches how to over come nerves and stage fright. There is a glossary at the back which show additional information. It also comes with the most beautiful colour illustrations throughout which were so vibrant and so cute.

It’s a great book for children, a great easy reader. It’s also perfect for musical theatre fans as it shows what it’s like getting into your first show as a child and how exciting and enjoyable it can be.

Stage fright? Auditioning? A bit nervous? Ah, the school days of yore. This sweet tale speaks about "going up" at a school audition and how improvisation comes to the rescue. A gentle book with lessons on surviving what could be a scary experience, even if you really, really want to be in the show. A book about coping and support from your friends, this is a lovely addition to kid's stories.