Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena

Written by Karla Arenas Valenti.

Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri.

 

Publisher: ‎Knopf Books for Young Readers 

Language: ‎English

Hardcover: ‎40 pages

ISBN-10: ‎0593488679

ISBN-13: ‎978-0593488676

Reading age: ‎3 - 6 years

 

 

A festive nochebuena treat for little ones who believe in the magic of Christmas (and the deliciousness of cake)!

 

On the night before Christmas, a spark of magic lights up Lita's Pastelería, and Esperanza Caramelo blinks open her eyes. Esperanza is a spun-sugar ornament, meant to sit atop the Nochebuena cake—but tonight she whirls through the bakery, singing and dancing, throwing a fiesta with all the other ornaments until . . . disaster strikes!

 

Can the cake be saved in time for Christmas? The clock is ticking, but on Nochebuena, anything is possible—and Esperanza never gives up hope.

 

 

Esperanza Caramelo, la estrella de Nochebuena 

Era la víspera de la Nochebuena, una noche en la que reina el asombro para aquellos que creen en magia. Para Esperanza Caramelo, una niña hecha de azúcar, esta sería una Navidad como ninguna otra…

 

En la víspera de la Nochebuena, un destello de magia despierta la Pastelería de Lita, y Esperanza Caramelo abre sus ojos. Esperanza es una figurita de azúcar, hecha para decorar un pastel de Nochebuena. Pero esta noche, Esperanza da vueltas por la panadería, cantando y bailando, organizando una fiesta con todas las otras figuritas de azúcar. Todos están felices hasta que… ¡ocurre un desastre!

 

¿Tendrán tiempo de arreglar el pastel antes de que sea demasiado tarde?

 

Review

"Valenti whips up a delectable tale of whimsical enchantment, with Spanish sprinkled throughout....Like a dash of sweetened wishes." —Kirkus Reviews

 

"Richly ­illustrated with vibrant colors, this picture book is sure to please." —School Library Journal

 

"The sweet backgrounds are full of delicious and delightful clues and plenty of other details to keep readers invested as they root for this unlikely heroine."—Booklist

 

"This book is sure to satisfy any reader’s sweet tooth." —The Horn Book

Karla Arenas Valenti is the author of many books for children of all ages. She grew up in Mexico City in a house that was built around a tree and surrounded by magic (which has stayed with her long into her adult years). Her storytelling is seeded in Mexican culture and lore, and often deals in explorations of philosophical and identity-based themes (inspiring the mind) while also taking readers on riveting magical realist adventures (inspiring the heart). She currently resides in the Chicagoland area.

Elisa Chavarri has illustrated numerous books for children including Pura Belpre Honor book Sharuko. She graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she majored in classical animation and minored in comics. Elisa hails from Lima, Peru, and resides in Alpena, Michigan, with her husband and two young children. 

A Crown For Corina

By Laekan Zea Kemp 

Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri 

 

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 

Language: ‎English

Hardcover: ‎40 pages

ISBN-10: ‎0759556849

ISBN-13: ‎978-0759556843

 

A charming story about a girl who learns a beloved family tradition and the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown, from two Pura Belpré award-winning creators.

 

Today is Corina’s birthday, and she’s excited to wear the biggest crown with the most beautiful flowers picked from her abuela’s garden.

 

Each flower tells a special story about all the ways Corina is rooted in the family she loves. 

 

With elegant and eye-catching illustrations from award-winning artist Elisa Chavarri, this charming story shares a beloved family tradition through one girl’s journey of self-discovery as she learns about the symbolism behind the Mexican flower crown.

 

Review

* “A gorgeous picture book celebrating tradition, family, and memories. Highly recommended for school and public libraries.”―SLJ, starred review

 

“Highlighting seasonal cycles and the natural passage of time, it’s a lushly told story that emphasizes the role of the past in the present and future.” ―Publishers Weekly

 

“Lush botanical illustrations are paired with a timeless message about the importance of family….A heartwarming story blooming with tenderness.”―Kirkus

 

“Kemp smoothly melds the corporeal with the intangible, lingering over the physical sensations of brushing past flowers, smelling their scent…Chavarri’s use of vivid watercolors in hazy, dream-like brushstrokes adds to the wistful warmth and movement of the story.”―BCCB

 

"Kemp movingly uses the setting of Abuela's flower garden to encourage young readers to explore their roots and who they might want to be....A warm meditation on family, perfect for sharing with a grandparent."

 ―Booklist

 

Laekan Zea Kemp is a writer living in Austin, Texas. She has three objectives when it comes to storytelling: to make people laugh, cry, and crave Mexican food. Her work celebrates Chicanx grit, resilience, creativity, and joy while exploring themes of identity and mental health.

Elisa Chavarri is an illustrator originally from Lima, Peru. She did much of her growing up in Northern Michigan where she now resides with her husband and two young children. www.elisachavarri.com

Best Spanish Language Picture Book Award

The Best Spanish Language Picture Book prize is a biennial prize given to a book that was published or translated into Spanish. Award candidates are identified from the annual Best Spanish Language Picture Book of the Year list, which is prepared by the Spanish Language Affiliate (SLA) of the Children’s Book Committee. The award jury is comprised of Spanish speaking members of the SLA, CBC, Bank Street College, New York Public Library, and City University of New York.

As with its English language prizes and lists, the SLA of the CBC aims to help parents, teachers, and librarians choose books that children will find captivating and transforming. The award is meant to encourage more publishers to create high quality materials in Spanish for children.

Gold Medal

Mis dos pueblos fronterizos por David Bowles; ilustrado por Erika Meza (Kokila)

Early one Saturday morning, a boy prepares for a trip to The Other Side/El Otro Lado. It's close--just down the street from his school--and it's a twin of where he lives. To get there, his father drives their truck along the Rio Grande and over a bridge, where they're greeted by a giant statue of an eagle. Their outings always include a meal at their favorite restaurant, a visit with Tío Mateo at his jewelry store, a cold treat from the paletero, and a pharmacy pickup. On their final and most important stop, they check in with friends seeking asylum and drop off much-needed supplies.

My Two Border Towns by David Bowles, with stunning watercolor illustrations by Erika Meza, is the loving story of a father and son's weekend ritual, a demonstration of community care, and a tribute to the fluidity, complexity, and vibrancy of life on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Silver Medals

Evelyn del Rey se muda por Meg Medina; ilustrado por Sonia Sánchez (Candlewick)

A big truck with its mouth wide open is parked at the curb, ready to gobble up Evelyn’s mirror with the stickers around the edge . . . and the sofa that we bounce on to get to the moon.

Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela’s best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today—not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it’s time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina’s beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez’s colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls’ urban neighborhood.

Pulpo Guisado por Eric Velazquez (Holiday House)

The octopus Grandma is cooking has grown to titanic proportions. "¡Tenga cuidado!" Ramsey shouts. "Be careful!" But it's too late. The octopus traps Grandma! Ramsey must use both art and intellect to free his beloved abuela. 

Then the story takes a surprising twist. And it can be read two ways. Open the fold-out pages to find Ramsey telling a story to his family. Keep the pages folded, and Ramsey's octopus adventure is real.

This beautifully illustrated picture book, drawn from the author's childhood memories, celebrates creativity, heroism, family, grandmothers, grandsons, Puerto Rican food, Latinx culture and more.

With an author's note and the Velasquez family recipe for Octopus Stew!

Sharuko: El arqueólogo Peruano Julio C. Tello  por Monica Brown; ilustrado por Elisa Chavarri (Lee & Low)

Growing up in the late 1800s, Julio Tello, an Indigenous boy, spent time exploring the caves and burial grounds in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. Nothing scared Julio, not even the ancient human skulls he found. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means brave in Quechua, the language of the Native people of Peru.

At the age of twelve, Julio moved to Lima to continue his education. While in medical school, he discovered an article about the skulls he had found. The skulls had long ago been sent to Lima to be studied by scientists. The article renewed Julio's interest in his ancestry, and he decided to devote his medical skills to the study of Peru's Indigenous history.

Over his lifetime, Julio Tello made many revolutionary discoveries at archaeological sites around Peru, and he worked to preserve the historical treasures he excavated. He showed that Peru's Indigenous cultures had been established thousands of years ago, disproving the popular belief that Peruvian culture had been introduced more recently from other countries. He fostered pride in his country's Indigenous ancestry, making him a hero to all Peruvians. Because of the brave man once known as Sharuko, people around the world today know of Peru's long history and its living cultural legacy.

Sharuko: El arqueólogo peruano Julio C. Tello/Peruvian Archaeologist Julio C. Tello

 

By Monica Brown

Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri

 

 

Age Range: 7 - 11 years

Grade Level: 1 - 6

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Children's Book Press (CA)

Bilingual edition

Language: Spanish, English

ISBN-10: 0892394234

ISBN-13: 978-0892394234

 

 

Growing up in the late 1800s, Julio Tello, an Indigenous boy, spent time exploring the caves and burial grounds in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. Nothing scared Julio, not even the ancient human skulls he found. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means "brave" in Quechua, the language of the Native people of Peru.

 

At the age of twelve, Julio moved to Lima to continue his education. While in medical school, he discovered an article about the skulls he had found. The skulls had long ago been sent to Lima to be studied by scientists. The article renewed Julio's interest in his ancestry, and he decided to devote his medical skills to the study of Peru's Indigenous history.

 

Over his lifetime, Julio Tello made many revolutionary discoveries at archaeological sites around Peru, and he worked to preserve the historical treasures he excavated. He showed that Peru's Indigenous cultures had been established thousands of years ago, disproving the popular belief that Peruvian culture had been introduced more recently from other countries. He fostered pride in his country's Indigenous ancestry, making him a hero to all Peruvians. Because of the brave man once known as Sharuko, people around the world today know of Peru's long history and its living cultural legacy.

 

MONICA BROWN has written twenty acclaimed picture books, including the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor-winning Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match, as well as the Lola Levine and Sarai chapter book series. Most of her stories are inspired by her desire to bring diverse stories to children and by her own mixed heritage, which includes Peruvian, Scottish, Spanish, Amerindian, and Jewish ancestry. When not writing for children, Brown serves as a professor of English at Northern Arizona University, where she teaches about US Latino and multicultural literature. Brown lives with her family in Flagstaff, Arizona. Her website is monicabrown.net.

 

 

ELISA CHAVARRI is the illustrator of the popular Lee & Low title Rainbow Weaver/Tejedora del arcoiris. Chavarri is a full-time illustrator who graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she majored in Classical Animation and minored in Comics. She was born in Peru and raised mostly in northern Michigan, where she still lives with her husband and their two children. You can find her online at elisachavarri.com.

Rainbow Weaver/Tejedora del arcoíris

By Linda Elovitz Marshall

Illustrated by Elisa Chavarri   

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Grade Level: 1 - 4
• Publisher: Children's Book Press (October 15, 2016)
• Language: English/ Spanish
• ISBN-10: 0892393742
• ISBN-13: 978-0892393749

Ixchel wants to follow in the long tradition of weaving on backstrap looms, just as her mother, grandmother, and most Mayan women have done for more than two thousand years. But Ixchel’s mother is too busy preparing her weavings for the market. If the weavings sell at a good price, they will have money to pay for Ixchel’s school and books. And besides, there is not enough extra thread for Ixchel to practice with.

Disappointed, Ixchel first tries weaving with blades of grass, and then with bits of wool, but no one would want to buy the results. As she walks around her village, Ixchel finds it littered with colorful plastic bags. There is nowhere to put all the bags, so they just keep accumulating.

Suddenly, Ixchel has an idea! She collects and washes the plastic bags. Then she cuts each bag into thin strips. Sitting at her loom, Ixchel weaves the plastic strips into a colorful fabric that looks like a beautiful rainbow—just like the weavings of Mayan women before her.

LINDA ELOVITZ MARSHALL grew up near Boston, graduated from Barnard College, and raised four children and a flock of sheep on a farm in the Hudson Valley of New York. She is the author of several books for young readers and was inspired to write this story by dear friends and founders of Mayan Hands, an organization of weavers in Guatemala. Marshall liveswith her family in Selkirk, New York.

ELISA CHAVARRI is a full-time illustrator who graduated with honors from the Savannah College of Art and Design, where she majored in Classical Animation and minored in Comics. Born in Peru, she now lives with her husband and their daughter, cat, and dog in northernMichigan.

chel has an idea! She collects and washes the plastic bags. Then she cuts each bag into thin strips. Sitting at her loom, Ixchel weaves the plastic strips into a colorful fabric that looks like a beautiful rainbow just like the weavings of Mayan women before her.

Reviews

A Guatemalan girl named Ixchel longs to learn how to weave like her mother and the other women in their community, but her mother tells her that she is too young and that there isn’t enough thread. Searching for alternative weaving materials, Ixchel collects the plastic bags that litter the countryside, tearing them into strips and using them on her homemade loom—while also leaving her village looking cleaner. Chavarri incorporates bright splashes of color into her expressive illustrations, which emphasize Ixchel’s innovation and pride. An author’s note describes the real-life story that inspired Marshall’s fiction, an inspiring example of ingenuity, dedication, and small actions with big results. -Publishers Weekly

Fans of Omar S. Castañeda’s Abuela’s Weave will enjoy this lovely selection about perseverance, community, and the ancient Mayan art of weaving. In order to earn money at the market, the women in young Ixchel’s Guatemalan village “weave thread into fabric as beautiful as a rainbow.” The girl desperately wants to learn and participate in this traditional art, but her mother gently refuses. Mama tells her that the money she earns from the cloth will be used to purchase books and fund an education for Ixchel. The cloth must be eye-catching in order to earn a good price. Ixchel is disappointed but determined to help and soon comes up with a creative way to clean up her village and weave a unique type of cloth. Vibrant illustrations bring the story to life and provide readers with a glimpse of indigenous Guatemalan culture. The images could also be used during a discussion about facial expressions and how they communicate emotions. The English and Spanish texts are clearly delineated. The author incorporates several words in Kaqchikel, one of the Mayan languages spoken in Guatemala. A glossary and pronunciation guide are provided at the beginning of the volume. A detailed author’s note at the narrative’s conclusion explains the inspiration for this tale. Pair this with a simple weaving project and some primary source photographs. VERDICT An uplifting offering that would be a wonderful addition to picture book collections and STEAM programs. -School Library Journal

Ixchel wants to help her mother weave so that she can pay for her school fees. Because there isn’t enough thread available, Ixchel must find alternative materials if she wishes to make weavings to sell at the market. Set in Guatemala and based on Mayan women’s resourcefulness and the tradition of weaving, Marshall’s bilingual story tells how Ixchel uses plastic bags littered in her community to create beautiful, rainbow-colored weavings. Although Marshall relies on the monolithic term Mayan to describe Ixchel’s background, the glossary/pronunciation guide provided at the beginning of the book identifies the Mayan language used briefly in the text as Kaqchikel. Chavarri’s illustrations bring the story to life, incorporating vibrant colors and intricate patterns into the characters’ clothes and weavings in a way that allows young readers to see how the amazing tradition of weaving is passed on from generation to generation. A cheerful tale of innovation with strong multicultural ties. For another story on weaving in Guatemala, see Abuela’s Weave (1995), by Omar S. Catañeda. -Booklist