Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble (Love Sugar Magic, 1)
#1 of 3 in Love Sugar Magic Series
What’s inside...
Leonora Logroño’s family owns the most beloved bakery in Rose Hill, Texas, and spends their days making delicious cookies and cakes for any occasion, especially the annual Dia de los Muertos festival. Despite being repeatedly told she's too young to help, Leo discovers her family’s secret: they are brujas—witches of Mexican ancestry—who infuse their baked goods with magic. As Leo uncovers her own magical abilities, she becomes eager to join the family business. When her best friend, Caroline, encounters a problem, Leo sees it as the perfect chance to test her newfound skills, not anticipating the potential consequences. This debut novel by Anna Meriano is filled with love, sugar, and magic, making it an enchanting read for middle-grade readers.
Character compass
Leonora 'Leo' LogroñO
Caroline
Alma LogroñO
Isabel Logroño
Mamá LogroñO
Beatriz LogroñO
Marisol LogroñO
Discussion points
What do you think about Leonora's decision to use magic without permission? How would you handle a similar situation?
How do the themes of family and tradition play a role in this story?
What lessons can we learn from the different characters’ perspectives in the book?
If you could create a magical spell, what would it be and why?
How do Leonora's actions affect her relationships with her family members?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and situations in the book. Listen attentively and validate their feelings to create a supportive environment for discussion. Use examples from your family traditions and values to connect the themes of the book to your child's world. Ask open-ended questions to prompt deeper thinking and understanding of the book’s messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Love Sugar Magic: A Dash of Trouble', protagonist Leonora discovers the secret world of her family’s magical bakery but chooses to keep it a secret and tries solving problems on her own, leading to more trouble. This highlights the consequences of dishonesty and withholding truth.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to be honest about their mistakes and seek guidance from elders, teaching them that honesty can prevent small issues from becoming larger ones.
Example Lesson: Understanding cultural heritage
Explanation: The story deeply intertwines Mexican culture and the Spanish language, providing a rich background that educates about traditions and the importance of heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own cultural backgrounds and show interest in learning about the traditions, languages, and histories of others, fostering an environment of diversity and respect.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and consequences of actions
Explanation: As Leonora experiments with magic without fully understanding it, she faces unintended consequences that affect those around her, illustrating the importance of responsibility and foresight.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions have effects on others, teaching them to think things through and be mindful of their decisions.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Leonora learns that working with her family and friends, rather than going at it alone, leads to more effective solutions. This emphasizes the advantages of collaborative problem solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in team activities and projects, learning to value different opinions and skills, which can lead to better outcomes and relationships.