Book Series · 3 Books

Rica Baptista Books

In order from Llamas, Iguanas, and My Very Best Friend to The Box of Possibilities.

The Rica Baptista series is a set of 3 chapter books by Janet Costa Bates, published between 2024 and 2025. Written for ages 6–9, most books run about 130 pages.

Where the story begins

First Book in the Series

Sale price

$1697

Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2024

Llamas, Iguanas, and My Very Best Friend

By Janet Costa Bates, Gladys Jose (Illustrator)

Rica needs a pet to cope with her best friend moving away. Can she prove she's ready?

128 pages· 14,851 words· Est. 3 hour read

$16.99

Hardcover

Summary: Rica Baptista faces a dilemma: her best friend, Laini, is moving away, and her parents refuse to let her get a pet to ease the loneliness. Determined, Rica and Laini devise plans to convince her parents, from party planning to poetry contests. But as time runs out, Rica must find a way to show she's ready for the responsibility. Will an unexpected act of kindness and courage be enough to change her parents' minds? Dive into Rica's world of friendship, family, and the quest for the perfect pet in this heartwarming tale.

In reading order

Rica Baptista Series

3 books · Published 2024–2025

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1697

Llamas, Iguanas, and My Very Best Friend

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2024

Rica needs a pet to cope with her best friend moving away. Can she prove she's ready?

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1597

A Week of Shenanigans

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2024

Can Rica turn a stay-at-home week into an unforgettable adventure?

Series

Sale price

$1597

The Box of Possibilities

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2025

A mysterious box holds secrets. Will it reveal superpowers or something unexpected?

Good to know

Common Questions

How many books are in the Rica Baptista series?

There are 3 books in the Rica Baptista series. It began with Llamas, Iguanas, and My Very Best Friend in 2024, and the newest book, The Box of Possibilities, was published in 2025.