Common Sense Media Review
By Monica Encarnacion
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Colombian girl adapts to family changes in charming sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In JUANA & LUCAS: BIG PROBLEMS, charismatic Juana enjoys her almost-perfect life in her beloved city of Bogota, with her two most favorite people in the world: Mami and her perro, Lucas. Until she notices some changes in Mami -- she gets a new hairdo and starts spending a lot of time with her new amigo Luis. That's when life becomes a little less perfect and Juana's big problems begin. Although Luis is kind and teaches Juana many things, like about photography and jazz music, Juana just can't help but wish that things would go back to how they were before. Juana isn't prepared for the big announcement -- Mami and Luis are getting married and they're all moving together to a new casa. At first, Juana is distraught by the news. But eventually she comes to realize that there are some things that will never change -- like how much Mami loves her!
Is It Any Good?
This charming chapter book is a welcome addition to the Juana & Lucas series. Like Book 1, Juana & Lucas: Big Problems, is filled with full-color art that makes it fun to read, especially for kids graduating from picture books to chapter books. Accessible chapters guide readers through Juana's experiences, incorporating visual details that help kids understand her thought process and full range of emotions. In the end, Juana discovers that she can always count on family and their constant guidance to help her solve her biggest problemas.
Thriving and confident Juana realizes it's possible to combine the old with the new and still find happiness, when done with humor and grace. Based on author-illustrator Juana Medina's own childhood in Colombia, her joyful series is sure to resonate with kids of all ages, bilingual and monolingual alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Spanish words in Juana & Lucas: Big Problems. Can you figure them out, even if you don't speak Spanish? What clues can help you find the meaning?
How is Juana's life in Bogota, Colombia, similar to yours? How is it different? Is your family like hers?
Juana turns to her abuelita to help ease her concerns. Who do you turn to when you need help solving big problems? How do they help you feel better?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Family Life
- Topics : Book Characters , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Candlewick Press
- Publication date : May 14, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 8
- Number of pages : 96
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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