Sofia FINALLY gets her beloved singing machine, and she can’t wait to sing her heart out. However, nobody in her family wants to listen to her sing. Sofia is determined to find a place to perform, even if she has to leave her house to do it! Gr 1-2-Sofia Martinez is at it again with more zany adventures. In Singing Superstar, she receives a special gift that allows for constant creative expression through song, but it takes her some time to find the perfect audience. In The Secret Recipe, Sofia struggles with paying attention while cooking with her abuela and the finished product doesn't taste quite right. Through every up and down, Sofia's family remains a source of unwavering love and support. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and complement the story lines. Mostly in English, with a sprinkling of Spanish words throughout, the works are well written and provide adequate context clues to assist children in decoding the meaning of unknown words. A glossary of Spanish vocabulary and thought-provoking questions are appended and allow for an extension of the story. VERDICT With broad appeal to beginning readers, these easy to read titles are strong additions to most collections.-Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country Public Library, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Gr 1-2-Sofia Martinez is at it again with more zany adventures. In Singing Superstar, she receives a special gift that allows for constant creative expression through song, but it takes her some time to find the perfect audience. In The Secret Recipe, Sofia struggles with paying attention while cooking with her abuela and the finished product doesn't taste quite right. Through every up and down, Sofia's family remains a source of unwavering love and support. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and complement the story lines. Mostly in English, with a sprinkling of Spanish words throughout, the works are well written and provide adequate context clues to assist children in decoding the meaning of unknown words. A glossary of Spanish vocabulary and thought-provoking questions are appended and allow for an extension of the story. VERDICT With broad appeal to beginning readers, these easy to read titles are strong additions to most collections.-Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country Public Library, NYα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. --From School Library Journal Sofia Martinez is at it again with more zany adventures. . . .The illustrations are bright and cheerful and complement the story lines. Mostly in English, with a sprinkling of Spanish words throughout, the works are well written and provide adequate context clues to assist children in decoding the meaning of unknown words. . . .With broad appeal to beginning readers, these easy to read titles are strong additions to most collections. --"School Library Journal" Jacqueline Jules is the award-winning author of 25 children's books, including No English (2012 Forward National Literature Award), Zapato Power: Freddie Ramos Takes Off (2010 CYBILS Literary Award, Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Honor Award, ALSC Great Early Elementary Reads), and Freddie Ramos Makes a Splash (named on 2013 List of Best Children's Books of the Year by Bank Street College Committee). Jules and her family live in Northern Virginia. Kim Smith has illustrated two picture books, including the upcoming Raven and Loon, which have been published in English and Inuktitut. She studied illustration at the Alberta College of Art and Design in Calgary, Alberta, where she currently resides.