Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita
Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita is a heartwarming and enchanting tale that celebrates cultural traditions, family bonds, and the magic of healing.
Inspired by the author’s own grandmother, a curandera (traditional healer of Mexican heritage), the story artfully blends mystery, humor, and life lessons, making it a delightful addition to any multicultural bookshelf.
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Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita
The story follows siblings Luna and Sol, who are determined to uncover the secret ingredient in their Nana Lupita’s remedios—special healing remedies she lovingly prepares for neighbors in need.
When Nana begins making a soup to help them recover from a cold, they overhear her singing the playful Spanish rhyme “Sana, sana colita de rana, Si no sanas hoy, sanarás mañana” and become convinced that a frog might be part of the recipe!
(The English translation is “Heal, heal, little frog’s tail. If you don’t heal today, you’ll heal tomorrow.”)
Their backyard search for clues leads to no frogs, but a steaming bowl of soup reveals the truth about Nana’s magic ingredient—and it’s as comforting and meaningful as the story itself.
This semi-bilingual book is a joy to read aloud, introducing young readers to Spanish words and phrases in a natural and engaging way. A translation page at the back provides helpful definitions, making it perfect for those learning Spanish or seeking to connect with their heritage.
The illustrations by Carlos Vélez bring the story to life with warmth and vibrancy, capturing the charm of Nana Lupita’s home and the lushness of her healing plants.
Readers are invited to join Luna and Sol in a delightful seek-and-find activity, discovering various healing plants throughout the story and learning about their traditional uses.
As a bonus, the book includes a recipe for Nana Lupita’s Magic Sopita, encouraging readers to share the love and healing by making their own comforting soup.
Nana Lupita and the Magic Sopita is more than just a story—it’s a celebration of cultural wisdom, family traditions, and the enduring power of love and care. It’s an excellent choice for parents, educators, and caregivers looking to introduce children to diverse traditions and bilingual storytelling.
Find the book at your local bookseller or purchase from Amazon.
Try This!
1. Make Your Own Magic Sopita
Using the recipe included in the book, guide kids in making Nana Lupita’s Magic Sopita together. This hands-on cooking activity allows them to connect with the story while learning about ingredients and kitchen skills. Discuss how cooking can be a way to show love and care for others, just like Nana Lupita does.
2. Healing Plant Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt based on the healing plants featured in the book. Provide printed pictures or descriptions of plants like mint or chamomile and encourage kids to identify them in a garden, park, or even their kitchen pantry. You can also discuss the uses of these plants in traditional remedies and how they are part of many cultures around the world.
3. Create a Bilingual Word Book
Encourage kids to make their own bilingual word book by writing and illustrating Spanish words they learned from the story along with their meanings. They can decorate their book with drawings inspired by the story, like bowls of soup, plants, or frogs. This activity reinforces language learning while sparking creativity.
Meet the Author & Illustrator
Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz is a Native Arizonan living in one of the most edible and medicinal landscapes: the Sonoran Desert. Recognized for her work with food and lifestyle as medicine, Felicia is passionate about helping others reclaim well-being as a birthright and advocating for traditional healing practices in the modern wellness model. Find her work at kitchencurandera.com or follow her on Instagram @feliciacocotzin.
Carlos Vélez is an award-winning illustrator from Mexico. He is the illustrator of more than 20 children’s books including Three Lines in a Circle, A Cloud in a Jar, and An Ofrendo for Perro.
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