Luisa, at Your Service! - by Sara Amini (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

In this charming picture book that blends English and Spanish, a precocious little girl takes tourists on a delightfully unconventional tour of her hometown in Colombia.

Tourists come from all over to Luisa's hometown of Salento to hike the famous Cocora Valley. But Luisa knows what they should be seeing, so she generously puts off doing her chores to offer extra special FREE tours of the really important spots in Salento.

First there's her casa--the only dark green house en la plaza! Then the coffee shop where she drinks jugo de mora (which turns her tongue purple) and listens to her cousin Oscar play the guitarra (his papi wishes he would find a girlfriend, but you didn't hear that from Luisa!). And there's so many other places to see and people to meet! After all, Luisa lives in the best pueblito in el whole mundo.

This debut picture book from actress and writer Sara Amini is a celebration of the personality, joy, and energy that makes small towns (and small tour guides!) unique, with exuberant illustrations from award-winning illustrator Juana Medina.

Review Quotes

★ "A self-assured child offers a tour of Salento, Colombia's idosyncratic sites in this humorous work. . . . Digital illustrations in tropical hues depict the locale's architecture, feel, and denizens, emphasizing across this likable whirlwind tour the idea that it's the individuals that make 'our pueblito the best in the whole mundo.'"--Publishers Weekly, starred review

★ "For story time or sharing at home, this is a sure hit . . . Belpré winner Medina combines her talents with author Amini for another journey with an exuberant Colombian little girl . . . Richly colorful and dense, the illustrations capture small details that will invite rereading." -School Library Journal (starred review)

"A tour worth joining . . . Medina's scrappy illustrations for each spot help orient reader . . . Amini, meanwhile, injects bits of humor through the pint-size guide's dry commentary, which keeps the whole proceedings on a peppy pace . . . The delightful misadventures end on a
satisfying note." -Kirkus Reviews

"This joyful, inviting picture book celebrates community, culture, and the magic of seeing home through a child's eyes. . . . Each page overflows with color and life, inviting readers to linger and explore. Ultimately, this book is a heartfelt reminder that the most meaningful places are the ones we know by heart, and Luisa is the perfect guide." --Booklist

About the Author

Sara Amini is an Iranian-Colombian-American actress and a writer for Jordan Peele's Twilight Zone reboot. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, she studied Psychology and Cognitive Development before moving to Los Angeles. Sara is also the author of the upcoming "Mixed Up" graphic novel series for Scholastic Books, debuting in 2026.

Juana Medina is the creator of the Pura Belpré award-winning chapter book Juana & Lucas and many other titles and has illustrated numerous picture books, including A Maleta Full of Treasures by Natalia Sylvester. Born and raised in Bogotá, Colombia, Juana Medina now lives with her family in the Washington D.C. area.