Description
By: Melissa Cristina Márquez, Maria Gabriela Gama (Illustrator)
Melissa Cristina Marquez pens another story perfect for young readers and pet owners! Leo is on the search for the "perfect" pet and stumbles upon one in an unexpected place. But in this colorful and quirky picture book, he quickly learns that sometimes raising a pet requires a village.
Melissa Cristina Marquez pens another story perfect for young readers and pet owners! Leo is on the search for the "perfect" pet and stumbles upon one in an unexpected place. But in this colorful and quirky picture book, he quickly learns that sometimes raising a pet requires a village.
Leo is thrilled when he and his family enter a shelter so he can adopt a new pet, but after searching for a while, Leo doesn't feel the connection he had hoped for and leaves feeling disappointed. On the way home, he and his family see a busy marketplace and find another shelter hidden inside- one for magical creatures! There Leo connects with an alebrije, their bond forming before they can even leave the shelter. But he quickly learns just how much responsibility comes with raising a pet.
Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, globally renowned shark scientist, and author of Mother of Sharks and Sea of Constellations, returns celebrating Mexican culture, fantastical creatures, and community in this picture book encouraging readers to seek support when needed. Maria Gabriela Gama's whimsical art brings the story to life and draws readers in as they learn alongside Leo the importance of asking for help, a lesson we can all use.
Published: 3rd March 2026
Format: Hardcover
Language: English
Number of Pages: 48
For Ages: 5 - 8 years old
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Edition Number: 1
Dimensions (cm): 26.3 x 26.2 x 1.1