The Secret Footprints

Written by Julia Alvarez · Illustrated by Fabin Negrin

A curious creature risks discovery to explore a forbidden friendship.

4.1 Goodreads · 262 ratings

40 pages· 1,478 words· Est. 12 min read-aloud· ~620L

$7.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

In a world where mythical ciguapas hide from humans, Guapa, a daring ciguapa, is drawn to a boy she observes during her nocturnal hunts. Her curiosity leads to a risky encounter with his family, revealing unexpected kindness. Despite vowing to keep her distance, Guapa can't resist returning to find a pastelito left just for her. Will her secret visits bridge the gap between their worlds, or lead to unforeseen consequences?

From the publisher

The Dominican legend of the ciguapas, creatures who lived in underwater caves and whose feet were on backward so that humans couldn’t follow their footprints, is reinvented by renowned author Julia Alvarez. Although the ciguapas fear humans, Guapa, a bold and brave ciguapa, can’t help but be curious–especially about a boy she sees on the nights when she goes on the land to hunt for food. When she gets too close to his family and is discovered, she learns that some humans are kind. Even though she escapes unharmed and promises never to get too close to a human again, Guapa still sneaks over to the boy’s house some evenings, where she finds a warm pastelito in the pocket of his jacket on the clothesline.

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