The book entitled Dulce Esperanza Fairies, “Sweet Hope” Fairies in English, is a story featuring eight fairies who are called to help a village in Mexico following a flood. There are five girls and three boy fairies who live in a magical tree until they are called to help a community in need. The fairies were modeled after eight children of farmworkers attending a summer enrichment program in New York State, reflecting the largely Mexican community served there. As families read this story, the intention is that they see themselves in the role of working together to rebuild a community. The fairies in this story all have special powers which help them to do this. The hope is that children of Latinx heritage can see themselves in the story.

This children’s book is written in Spanish and English so that it can be read to children in either language. Many of the themes of the book reflect the culture of Mexico, such as strong family ties and community connections with support for one another. The colorful illustrations and story were crafted with input from the children. They described special powers that they have which are used to help rebuild the village, heal the villagers and restore the environment. The fairies work alongside the villagers to accomplish this. It is a story about the power of community when everyone works together for a common purpose. This story is of special importance at this time in the world. We all need sweet hope for a better future.

While this book is very good for all readers and children, it will be especially helpful in Head Start programs and other schools where diverse communities live.

All proceeds from this book will support the Dulce Esperanza summer program for farmworker children provided by the Warwick Area Farmworker Organization, located in New York State. You can purchase the book on Amazon here.

You can see a preview of the book and watch as the children in the program have it read to them the first time below: