The Story of Gabriella

Description

The Where We Grow series is designed to introduce culture and foster kindness as a way of life. This series opens with three girls from three different cultures: The Story of Gigi from France, The Story of Gabriella from Mexico, and The Story of Zara from Iran. Each is meant to inspire children to explore people from cultures different from their own, and to approach that learning with an openness, acceptance, and curiosity. The Where We Grow series is also intended to serve as a tool to help children begin to think about their own cultural customs. Gabriella is a little girl living in Mexico. Her story opens with watercolor images of Mexico's glorious beaches, artwork, music, and well-known traditions. When Gabriella has a party celebrating her seventh birthday, she helps a shy friend meet others and overcome her insecurities. Images of the children playing the game of pinata bring the story to its culmination.

Leah Bullen is the author and illustrator of the Where We Grow book series. And enduring love of children and their potential, prompted her to create the series with the hope of inspiring them to explore people from other cultures, and to nurture openness, acceptance, and curiosity. The mother of three grown children, Bullen lives in Northern California with her husband and big dog Bode, and enjoys yoga, hiking, golf and creating art.