Book Review of Carina and Sabi: A Journey to the Heart of Cidra
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The Children’s Book Review
Carina and Sabi: A Journey to the Heart of Cidra
Written by Wanda Arleen Barajas
Illustrated by Arash Jahani
Ages: 4-6 | 56 Pages
Publisher: Barajas Creative Press (2026) | ISBN: 979-8993865140
What to Expect: Puerto Rican identity, Christmas, Cidra, conservation, natural world, family, multicultural belonging.
Steeped in genuine knowledge of Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture and the fragile island ecosystem, this story instills in readers a love of culture that binds people, traditions, and land together in a shared identity and responsibility.
Carina’s visit to her family’s cultural home in Cidra, Puerto Rico, doesn’t just introduce her to the amazing natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the area—it also introduces her to Sabi, a wise and gentle Paloma Sabanera who keeps her company as she joins in her family’s Christmas celebrations. Sabi knows everything there is to know about the wildlife and heritage of Cidra—she is, after all, the town’s representative! With Sabi’s guidance, Carina learns to feel a deep connection and love for her community and the land that nurtures them—and her own responsibility to care for that land for generations to come.
Knowledgeable, affectionate, and deeply connected to her habitat, Sabi is the perfect guide, while Carina is empathetic and curious. The story stands out for its attention to realistic and accurate detail, from the appearance and behavior of the Paloma Sabanera to the stories, foods, and animals that make Cidra special. This attention to detail is echoed in the colorful digital illustrations that capture the light and warmth of the Caribbean setting. The text uses simple sentences and paragraphs to deliver the story, making it a good choice for more proficient picture-book readers, while the inclusion of some untranslated Spanish words helps expand readers’ linguistic and cultural horizons.
Instructive and celebratory, Carina and Sabi: A Journey to the Heart of Cidra is the perfect story for introducing readers to the intertwined relationship between nature and culture.
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About the Author
A proud Latina author, Wanda Arleen Barajas is a storyteller and dog mom whose work celebrates heart, resilience, culture, and connection. With a background in journalism and public relations, she brings a thoughtful, human voice to stories for young readers.
Her debut picture book, Benny the Brave: A Story of Love, Loss, and Learning, was inspired by her family’s rescue dog and explores themes of love, healing, and emotional strength. The story featured all three of her dogs: Benny, Luna, and Mylo. In Carina and Sabi: A Journey to the Heart of Cidra, Wanda expands her storytelling to embrace Puerto Rican culture, family, nature, belonging, and environmental care.
Through her books, she hopes to help children feel seen and supported, and inspired to honor their roots, practice kindness, and care for the world around them.
Wanda lives in California with her husband and dogs, Benny and Luna, and cherishes the memory of her beloved dog Mylo, who was featured alongside them in Benny the Brave.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Carina and Sabi: A Journey to the Heart of Cidra. Learn more about getting a book review …
