• Age: 4 to 7
• Grade: p to 2
• Reading age: 4 to 7

A little girl uses imagination and inventiveness to spread friendship through her community. But will she find a friend of her own?

Whether it’s a supersonic sandwich maker or a twelve-tailed dragon, Sicily Bridges can make almost anything from materials she finds around her apartment complex. But when it comes to making friends, Sicily has yet to find the perfect fit. With a diverse cast of characters brought to life by illustrator Erika Medina, Sara de Waal’s whimsical debut emphasizes the power of imagination and finding companionship where you least expect it.

SARA DE WAAL is a Canadian writer and teacher residing in Sioux Center, Iowa. She has taught music and art in kindergarten through grade five and creative writing workshops in elementary, middle, and high schools. She believes the best problem solvers are both creative and kind. Sara is the author of the Blue Spruce Award finalist 48 Grasshopper Estates.

Sara de Waal's profile page

ERIKA MEDINA is a Mexican illustrator and book publicist living and working in Vancouver, British Columbia. She is interested in storytelling, myths and legends, and scary stories. Erika is the illustrator of several picture books, including Margot and the Moon Landing, 48 Grasshopper Estates, and Adela's Mariachi Band (August 2024).

Erika Medina's profile page

• Nominated, 48 Grasshopper Estates Blue Spruce Award

“This is a touching story about imagination and compassion that belongs in most collections, for read-alouds or for emerging readers.”

School Library Journal, 04/30/21

“Full of imagination.”

Book Time, 04/11/21

“This whimsical picture book emphasizes the power of imagination, spreading kindness, and finding friendship.”

Best Books for Kids and Teens, *starred review, Fall/21

“De Waal’s rhythmic prose and cyclical storytelling are delightful, and Medina’s energetic characters and warm palette are charming . . . A cute meet-cute.”

Kirkus Reviews, 12/25/20

“De Waal’s story is well supported by Erica Medina’s illustrations, which bring the culturally diverse and intergenerational Grasshopper Estates neighborhood to life. This is sure to be a read and re-read.”

The Banner, 07/27/21

“Author Sara de Waal ticks all the right boxes with her story of imaginative play and friendship . . . This self-confidence of childhood exploits is affirmed by Erika Medina’s illustrations of diverse and engaged characters.”

CanLit for Little Canadians, 05/28/21

“A great picture book text with several applications—making friends, creating things to give away, and being a ‘maker.’”

Library Lady’a Kid Lit, 05/01/21