It was Adelita's first day at a new school, and she didn't know anyone! As Miss Cantú started a lesson on vegetables, cries of “I hate vegetables” filled the classroom. She watched the kids as they gathered around the teacher's desk to select a vegetable of their own from the basket. But it's the friendly girl in the red T-shirt who introduces herself as Jasmine that interests Adelita most. She offers Adelita her choice of the green or yellow vegetable, observing "these two veggies must be cousins" because they look alike. When Jasmine wonders what they're called, Adelita says her grandmother calls them calabacitas . Ms. Cantú overhears the girls and confirms that the squash are related. And to Adelita's surprise, her teacher also calls squash calabacitas ! Children—and some parents too—will look at vegetables in a whole new way after reading this charming story about making new friends. Award-winning author Diane Gonzales Bertrand once again pairs with illustrator Christina Rodriguez to create a book that will resonate with children ages 4 – 8 as they build skills and confidence in school and social situations. "On the first day of her new school, Adelita learns that vegetables can have similarities and differences, as can new friends...The dual message of nutrition and diversity will probably find its place in today's curriculum and can certainly augment units on food, language and culture. A charming tale almost any child (and parent) can relate to." -- Kirkus Reviews "The bold, colorful illustrations capture the action well." -- School Library Journal DIANE GONZALES BERTRAND is the author of numerous books for children and young adults. Her picture books for children include The Party for Papá Luis / La fiesta para Papá Luis (Piñata Books, 2010), We Are Cousins / Somos primos (Piñata Books, 2007) and The Empanadas that Abuela Made / Las empanadas que hacía la abuela (Piñata Books, 2003). A native of San Antonio, Texas, she teaches writing at St. Mary's University where she is Writer in Residence. CHRISTINA RODRIGUEZ is the illustrator of several picture books for children, including We Are Cousins / Somos primos (Piñata Books, 2007), Mayte and the Bogeyman / Mayte y el Cuco (Piñata Books, 2006) and Un día con mis tías / A Day with My Aunts (Piñata Books, 2006). She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2003 with a BFA in illustration. A freelance illustrator, she lives and works in Minnesota.