Isla

About Isla

This soaring story takes readers on a fantastic journey set in the same world and warm relationship as Arthur Dorros’s award-winning Abuela!

Rosalba is going on an imaginary journey to the Caribbean island where her grandmother grew up. Through her abuela’s eyes and stories, Rosalba visits with relatives who still live on la isla and sees the beautiful terrain of the island–from the lush, tropical rain forest to the bustling old city. Along the way Rosalba and her grandmother visit a busy fruit market, then cool off with a swim in the turquoise sea filled with colorful fish. Their magical trip is brought to life by Elisa Kleven’s shimmering collage artwork.

Also available in a Spanish-language edition (ISBN: 978-0-14-056541-6)


“Dorros’s language is rich and magical—readers fly to la isla, too. Kleven’s art is whimsical and quiltlike, crowded with sweet things and surprises.”—School Library Journal

“Vivid illustrations with myriad details bring the tropical scenes to life, and the well-chosen Spanish words and phrases are easily understood. Glossary.”—Horn Book

“The little girl and her grandmother, first seen flying over New York City in Abuela (1991), take off on another imaginary flight, this time to the Caribbean island where Abuela grew up. Isla is a tropical treasure.”—Booklist

Notable Book, National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council
Commended Book, Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs
Children’s Book of the Year, Bank Street Children’s Book Committee
Notable Children’s Book, National Council of Teachers of English