Galápagos Girl/Galapagueña

Review
By School Library Journal

In 2007, Arnold visited the Galápagos Islands where she met biologist and naturalist guide Valentina Cruz. This book was inspired by the childhood stories Cruz shared with the author about growing up and getting to know the animals on Floreana, one of the many Galápagos Islands. As she explored her island home, she learned about the unique species that inhabit the islands and the dangers they face due to increased population, tourism, and foreign species. She promised herself she would help to protect them. Eventually, she left home to go to school, but returned home to learn more about the animals. Today, as a naturalist guide, she hopes that by sharing her knowledge, experience, and respect for the animals, others will be inspired to help keep them safe. Dominguez’s playful pencil-on–illustration board artwork brings the child and the creatures in her world to life. The back matter includes an author’s note, more facts about the Galápagos Islands, information on each of the animals mentioned in the story, and a bibliography. The Spanish text of this bilingual book is a very adept translation. VERDICT Readers are presented here with an unsung and worthy heroine. Recommended for picture book and biography collections.