Francine Garcia and the Recipe for Joy
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Pub Date Oct 6 2026 | Archive Date Nov 30 2026
Literary Press Group of Canada | Yellow Dog
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Description
Nine-year-old Francine Garcia has to help look after her little brother, Alfond, while they stay with Auntie Flora so that Mama and Papa can take baby Ramón to Atlanta for a month of important medical treatments. And looking after Alfond isn’t easy—he throws up all the time, and wrecks her things, and almost gets eaten by a tiger at the circus. Francine’s recipe for joy at first involves finding a way to get herself to Atlanta too, but when that doesn’t work out, she realizes that joy can be found in the most surprising places if you give it a chance.
"A new classic with a memorable heroine" — School Library Journal, Starred Review
A Note From the Publisher
A memorable heroine readers will root for.
A moving story about family, love, and finding joy in difficult times.
And yes, there are recipes!
A wonderful addition to Grades 3–5 collections.
Advance Praise
"Award-winning Canadian author and educator Brenna has created a charming heroine who, with relatable determination, is successful in finding paths through her age-relevant challenges. A new classic with a memorable heroine; recommended for realistic fiction collections." — School Library Journal
"There are no easy solutions when it comes to grief, Francine realizes, but she discovers that perhaps the key is a willingness to find joy in unexpected places. Francine's flaws make her a strong, relatable character. Poignant." — Kirkus Reviews
"A friend's father dies, a pet ferret swims in a jug of lemonade, and another brother is almost eaten by a tiger! Young readers will be breathless keeping up with Francine’s mistakes and heartaches, and will find immense satisfaction when Francine realizes that, amongst family and friends, joy has been waiting for her all along." — Sharon Jennings, author of Governor General's nominated novels "Unravel" and "Home Free"
"Francine feels as if everything is going wrong – until she discovers that even in tough times, there's a way to make things better. Young readers will be cheering for this feisty heroine as she creates joy for herself and everyone around her." — Jean Mills, author of "After the Wallpaper Music"
"Beverley Brenna's Francine is an unforgettable heroine in the tradition of Clementine, Harriet M. Welsch, and Ramona Quimby, who navigates the world like an elephant tiptoeing through a china shop. A swishy, rainbow-hued revelation of a novel that pops with joy." — Michael F. Stewart, author of "Seeking Draven""
Marketing Plan
Review coverage by traditional and non-traditional media
Book launch and Publication-day promotions with messaging for sales reps, booksellers, librarians, and young readers
Social media highlighting Francine, the story’s themes, and the SLJ starred review.
Holiday promotion focusing on the message of finding joy
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781773371559 |
| PRICE | CA$19.95 (CAD) |
| PAGES | 240 |