New Books by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy

Abuelita's Secret

Written by Alma Flor Ada

Illustrated by Jacobo Muñiz

*Hardcover: 32 pages

*Publisher: Reycraft Books 

*Language: English

*ISBN-10: 1478868015

*ISBN-13: 978-1478868019

A boy is living with his family while his father is away. He dreads the first day at a new school because he has nothing special to share about himself. Each family member offers him an object that represents a memory from the summer, but the boy doesn't think any of these are interesting. Then his abuelita whispers a secret in his ear. When its his turn to talk, all he needs to do is open his backpack. When the moment arrives, he dumps the backpacks contents onto the table. As his classmates pick up the objects, he retells the stories they represent. Suddenly, he is surprised that he has much to say. And when he returns home, his abuelita has an even bigger surprise.

Mamá Goose: Bilingual Lullabies·Nanas Board book

Written by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy

Illustrated by Maribel Suarez

*Age Range: Baby - 2 years

*Grade Level: Preschool and up

*Series: Bilingual Lullabies - Nanas

*Board book: 18 pages

*Publisher: Disney-Hyperion; Bilingual edition

*Language: English

*ISBN-10: 1368045413

*ISBN-13: 978-1368045414

This bilingual board book by acclaimed authors Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy presents popular and beloved lullabies from all over the Spanish-speaking world. Full of charm and humor, and rich with the diversity of Latinx cultures, Mamá Goose is the perfect introduction to Latinx lullabies for English speakers, and a trove of familiar favorites for Spanish speakers.

Review

"Young speakers of either language will appreciate the bouncing rhythms and nonsense fun."―Booklist

"A lovely compendium [with] clear, charming watercolor cartoon illustrations. . . . Just as much fun to read in English as in Spanish, . . . this is a perfect example of translation as an art form."―School Library Journal

Pura Belpré Award Ganadores 2019

From: http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/belpremedal

The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth. It is co-sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, an ALA affiliate. 

2019 Author Award Winner 

The Poet X, written by Elizabeth Acevedo and published by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

The Poet X is a tale about Xiomara, an “unhide-able” Dominican who “…was a little too much body for such a young girl,” according to Mami. As she deals with her extremely religious mother and other challenges, Xiomara writes poetry, which becomes “the most freeing experience of [her] life.” The book was published by HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. 

“Acevedo’s strong character and her captivating story, told through intense and lyrical verses, champion poetry as a way to understand the world and one’s self,” said Dr. Caponegro. 

2019 Illustrator Award Winner

Dreamers, illustrated by Yuyi Morales, written by Yuyi Morales, and published by Neal Porter Books, Holiday House Publishing, Inc.

Dreamers is a tale about an immigrant mother and her son who were “[u]nable to understand and afraid to speak…” until they found the library. The books in the library taught them many things and gave them the confidence they needed to succeed and dream in their new country. The book was written by Yuyi Morales and published by Neal Porter Books, Holiday House Publishing, Inc. 

“Morales’s stunning mixed media illustrations celebrate the power of children’s books and libraries and the ability of immigrants to create new lives and stories,” said Pura Belpré Award Committee Chair Dr. Ramona Caponegro.  

2019 Author Honor Book

They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid’s Poems, written by David Bowles, and published by Cinco Puntos Press.

They Call Me Güero: A Border Kid’s Poems is a tale about a 12-year-old, red-headed, freckled Mexican-American boy’s daily adventures. Through poetry, Bowles chronicles Güero’s middle school journey as he deals with bullies, girls, and the perils of being a misfit. Life can be tough for a pale-skinned border kid, but Güero learns to cope by embracing rich family traditions.  

2019 Illustrator Honor Books

Islandborn, illustrated by Leo Espinosa, written by Junot Díaz, and published by Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Young Readers Group, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.

Islandborn is a tale about Lola, a young immigrant Afro-Latina girl who has to draw a picture of her birth country for school but doesn’t remember that place. Espinosa takes us on a vibrant, colorful journey as Lola discovers the island through the memories of her family and friends. 

When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana, illustrated by Jose Ramirez, written by Michael Mahin, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

When Angels Sing: The Story of Rock Legend Carlos Santana is a tale about the famous musician's quest to discover his unique musical sound. Santana's exploration is beautifully depicted with bold colors and striking illustrations that reflect his Latinx roots.

Children's Books for Thanksgiving

This Thursday let's thanks for all the wonderful things we have. Say "Thank you" and "Gracias" and remember to smile.

Check these wonderful books in your local public library.

Celebrate Thanksgiving Day with Beto and Gaby by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy. Illustrated by Claudia Rueda.

Beto and Gaby anxiously wait for their relatives to arrive for Thanksgiving dinner. One by one, they each call to inform the family that they will not be able to attend because of a great snowstorm. Suddenly, their grandmother appears with a group of elder friends who have nowhere to have dinner, and the celebration becomes really special. Contains an informative section on Thanksgiving Day.

Gracias, the Thanksgiving turkey by Joy Cowley. Illustrated by Joe Cepeda.

Trouble ensues when Papa gets Miguel a turkey to fatten up for Thanksgiving and Miguel develops an attachment to it.

¿Pavo para la Cena de Gracias? ¡No, gracias! por Alma Flor Ada. Ilustrado por Vivi Escriva.

When the turkey overhears a conversation about how fat and tasty he will be on Thanksgiving, he loses his own appetite. He meets a young spider who sets out to find a way to save the turkey.






Molly y los peregrinos por Barbara Cohen. Illustrado por Michael J. Deraney. Traducido por María A. Fiol.

Told to make a doll like a pilgrim for the Thanksgiving display at school, Molly's Jewish mother dresses the doll as she herself dressed before leaving Russia to seek religious freedom--much to Molly's embarrassment.

How many days to America?: a Thanksgiving story by Eve Bunting. Illustrated by Beth Peck.

Refugees from a Caribbean island embark on a dangerous boat trip to America where they have a special reason to celebrate Thanksgiving.

New Bilingual Children's Books by Lupe Ruiz-Flores

• Lupita's First Dance / El Primer Baile de Lupita
• 
  

• by Lupe Ruiz-Flores.
• Illustrated by Gabhor Utomo.
• Translated by Gabriela Baeza Ventura.
• 
  

ISBN-13: 9781558857728
Publisher: Arte Publico Press
Publication date: 11/28/2013

Lupita is excited about dancing la raspa, a Mexican folk dance, with her first-grade class at a celebration of Children's Day. But she's devastated when she learns right before the show that her partner Ernesto sprained his right ankle.

She had been practicing for weeks. And now her family won't get to see her, swishing and swaying in her beautiful dress full of colorful ribbons. Lupita sadly watches the other dancers from backstage behind the blue velvet curtain. But suddenly, she finds herself on stage, in the spot where she and Ernesto should have been. She begins to dance the routine she knows so well, holding her arms out to an imaginary partner, and almost flees when the audience laughs at her.

But the sight of her mother encourages her to be brave. She continues the dance, becoming the star of the show—at least in the eyes of her proud teacher and parents.

Let's Salsa / Bailemos Salsa

by Lupe Ruiz-Flores.

Illustrated by Robert Casilla.

Translated by Natalia Rosales-Yeomans.

ISBN-13: 9781558857629
Publisher: Arte Publico Press
Publication date: 11/28/2013

Estella can't help but giggle when she sees her neighbors, Doña Rosa and Doña Maria, shaking their hips while dancing and sweating at an exercise class at the community recreation center. A few days later, when her mother complains about gaining weight, Estella encourages her to join the class.

Every day after school, Estella enjoys watching the women dance to the rhythmic music. And she's especially thrilled when the instructor invites her to join them in dancing salsa. “Salsa? That's what it's called? I thought salsa was to eat with chips!”

But one day, kids are banned from the class, and Estella is forced to go to a boring crafts class instead. She'd much rather be dancing! So when Estella learns that women had to fight to gain the right to vote, she decides she'll petition for kids' rights to enjoy salsa dance classes at the community center!

In this bilingual picture book for children ages 5-9, a young girl learns that dancing is good for fun and fitness, and that even kids can change the way things are done.

Award-Winning Children's Books

Felicidades to Xavier Garza, Carmen Tafolla and Magaly Morales


Tejas Star Book Award

The winner for 2009-2010 is Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid by Xavier Garza


The Tejas Star Book Award was created by the Region One ESC Library Advisory Committee to promote reading in general and for readers to discover the cognitive and economic benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism. All the children of Texas will have the opportunity to select their favorite book from the Tejas Star list during the month of February.

Santa needs help! Abracadabra!

A cowboy and his nephew become Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid!

Let’s welcome Santa’s newest helper: his cousin Pancho, a farmer living down in South Texas who is so smart he speaks Spanish and English. Back in the day, Pancho was a mariachi singer with a whole lot of style and a fancy sombrero. But as the years passed, Pancho got, well, a little older and a little wider all around. Then one night his primo Santa Claus showed up. Santa needed some help! Pancho volunteered. And then, poof, Santa transformed Pancho into the resplendent Charro Claus with his incredibly Flying Burritos. And Charro Claus, it turns out, even had his own surprise elf—his nephew Vincente!

All Christmas Eve, Vincente and Pancho deliver toys to the boys and girls on the border. Neither rain, cloudy skies, wire fences nor concrete walls keep them from covering every inch of their newly assigned territory. And they don’t forget a single town or city. How could they? The border is their home.


2010 Tomás Rivera Book Award

What Can You Do With A Paleta?
Written by Carmen Tafolla
Illustrated by Magaly Morales

Texas State University College of Education developed the Tomas Rivera Mexican American Children's Book Award to honor authors and illustrators who create literature that depicts the Mexican American experience. The award was established in 1995 and was named in honor of Dr. Tomas Rivera, a distinguished alumnus of Texas State University.


Where the paleta wagon
rings its tinkly bell
and carries a treasure of icy paletas
in every color of the sarape . . .



As she strolls through her barrio, a young girl introduces readers to the frozen, fruit-flavored treat that thrills Mexican and Mexican-American children. Create a masterpiece, make tough choices (strawberry or coconut?), or cool off on a warm summer's day—there's so much to do with a paleta.

Dia de los niños-Dia de los libros

Dia de los niños- Dia de los libros/ Children's Day- Book day is tomorrow April 3o. Visit your local library and find out about their celebrations for Dia. While you are there, check out books and read them with your children. Have a wonderful reading!

April 30 is Children’s Book Day
at Inglewood Public Library

Children’s Book Day, or Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros, will be celebrated with special programs at the Main Library on Thursday, April 30 in Inglewood. Children’s book authors Amada Irma Pérez and René Colato Laínez will present at this event which will also include crafts, refreshments, raffles, and book prizes.

Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros / Children’s Book Day is known throughout the country as a celebration of children and families. With its origins in the first World Conference for the Well-Being of Children held in Geneva, Switzerland in 1925, Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros / Children’s Book Day is celebrated throughout the world. Mexico has a tradition of celebrating Día on April 30; in many cities of the United States, it is celebrated on a day during the month of April.

This year’s program features children’s book authors Amada Irma Pérez and René Colato Laínez. Amada Irma Pérez is an award-winning author and speaker, and a leading advocate of programs that encourage multicultural understanding. Her books My Very Own Room/ Mi propio cuartito; My Diary from Here to There/ Mi diario de aquí hasta allá; and Nana’s Big Surprise/ Nana, ¡Qué Sorpresa! are critically acclaimed and have been honored by several major Latino awards in children’s literature, including the American Library Association’s Pura Belpré Award, the Tómas Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award, and the América’s Award. Born in Mexicali, Mexico, and raised mostly in California, Amada Irma finds joy in sharing her books with readers of all ages during her visits to schools, libraries and conferences across the country.

Known by his students as “the teacher full of stories,” René Colato Laínez is the Salvadorean author of several bilingual picture books including I am René, the Boy/ Soy René, el niño (Piñata Books); Waiting for Papá/ Esperando a papá (Piñata Books), and Playing Lotería/ El juego de la lotería (Luna Rising). He is the recipient of the Latino Book Award’s Best Bilingual Children’s Book and the New Mexico Book Award for Best Children’s Book.

He writes for the Spanish-language magazine Revista Iguana and is a weekly children’s literature columnist for LA BLOGA (labloga.blogspot.com). René is a bilingual elementary teacher at Fernangeles Elementary School in Los Angeles. For additional information on the authors, please see www.renecolatolainez.com and www.amadairmaperez.com.

Inglewood Public Library’s events will take place on Thursday, April 30, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Gladys Waddingham Lecture Hall, Inglewood Public Library, 101 W. Manchester Blvd. Inglewood, CA 90301. For more information contact Tatiana de la Tierra (310) 412-8734 or email tierra@cityofinglewood.org

Children's Book Press

A message from Lorraine Garcia-Nakata
Publisher & Executive Director
Children's Book Press

Dear Friends and New Friends:

I need your help.

Children's Book Press continues to receive national recognition and awards....and with that comes increased demand for our books. Our challenge is having the cash flow needed to reprint the books in order to meet that demand. It is an interesting position and why I am asking for your help in order to make sure we continue to produce first voice children's books that reflect experiences of African-American, Asian/Pacific Islander, Latino, and Indigenous communities.

Here is how you can help.

*Make a gift of $1, $5, $10 or more to our Children's Book Press Measure of Success Campaign supporting a book printing and production fund. I'm serious, no gift is too small. This campaign can really take hold when you make your gift and send this message onto your friends and colleagues asking them to do the same. Yes, ask them to pass it onto their contacts and that's how we will meet our much-needed goal of $400,000 by May 2009. Children, teachers, and families all over the country are counting on our books.

Click here to give online: http://www.childrensbookpress.org/support.html

By mail: (If check, make out to Children's Book Press), memo notation: Measure of Success Campaign.

Mail to:

MOS Campaign, Children's Book Press
965 Mission St., Ste. 425
San Francisco, CA 94103

Our 33 year-old-non-profit independent Press has been side swiped by the tough economic storm that we are all experiencing. It is serious, but I am not one to freeze in the road. Instead, in the spirit of our new national leadership, I am asking for your help so that we can make sure our work will continue on behalf of kids and families here and abroad.

You can make that difference!

My warmest thanks,


Lorraine Garcia-Nakata
Publisher & Executive Director
Children's Book Press
965 Mission Street, Suite 425
San Francisco, CA 94103
development@childrensbookpress.org

www.childrensbookpress.org

Books about Martin Luther King Jr. in English and Español

Here is a list of books to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 19. Go to your favorite library or bookstore. Enjoy! ¡Diviértete!

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with Mrs. Park's Class
Celebra El Dia De Martin Luther King Jr. Con La Clase De La Sra. Park

By Alma Flor Ada & F. Isabel Campoy

The students in Mrs. Park’s class prepare to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. ‘s Day by thinking about the values he taught. Contains an informative section on Martin Luther King, Jr.

A Picture Book Of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Un Libro Ilustrado Sobre Martin Luther King, Hijo

By David A. Adler. Illustrated by Robert Casilla.

A brief, illustrated, biography of the Baptist minister and civil rights leader whose philosophy and practice of nonviolent civil disobedience helped American blacks win many battles for equal rights.

Happy birthday, Martin Luther King.
Feliz cumpleaños, Martin Luther King

By Jean Marzollo. Illustrated by J. Brian Pinkney.

An introduction to a great civil rights leader. In commemoration of his peaceful fight for freedom and change. The stunningly illustrated, best-selling portrait of the famed civil rights leader and the times in which he lived is a poignant and touching tribute to an American Hero.

Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Life of Determination
Martin Luther King Jr. : una vida de determinación

By Sheila Rivera

Do you know...? How Martin Luther King Jr. helped black people in the United States? How Martin fought peacefully? How Martin showed determination? Read this book and find the answer.

Read about Martin Luther King, Jr./ Lee sobre Martin Luther King, Jr

By Stephen Feinstein

Bilingual series for ESL and English speakers trying to learn Spanish- Great for beginner reports- Supports the History/Social Studies, ESL/Spanish Language Arts, and Reading curricula- Illus. with color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations- Contains large, easy-to-read type, timeline, glossary, further reading, Internet addresses, and an index.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Jonatha A. Brown

Based on Martin Luther King, Jr. (Trailblazers of the Modern World series) by Adela Q. Brown -- T. p. verso.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 23) and index.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day / Día de Martin Luther King Jr.
Our Country's Holidays/ Las fiestas de nuestra nación

By Sheri Dean

This bilingual series is ideal for English Language Learners. It supports a key topic in the early social studies curriculum- our nation's holidays- and provides students with an introduction to United States history. Using lively, full-color photographs and easy-to-read text, each title explores a different holiday and explains why it is significant. Beginning readers will also learn how the holidays they celebrate in their families and communities are observed across the nation.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day : honoring a man of peace.
El día de Martin Luther King, Jr. : honramos a un hombre de paz

By Carol Gnojewski and Carolina Jusid

Civil rights leaders are people who make sure that the laws of the United States are fair for everyone, regardless of their race, religion, or gender. One of the most influential men of our time was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Martin Luther King Jr. Day
El Día de Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Mir Tamim Ansary

Introduces Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, explaining the historical events behind it, how it became a holiday, and how it is observed.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 31) and index.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Doreen Rappaport. Illustrated Bryan Collier

This is one of my favorite books! It is not in Spanish yet.

This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world's most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martin's Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America" and the world" forever.

More Picture Books for Navidad

René Colato Laínez

Here is my list of books for navidad for this year. Enjoy them and feliz navidad y año nuevo.

Merry Navidad!: Christmas Carols in Spanish and English/Villancicos en español e ingles by Alma Flor Ada and F. Isabel Campoy. Illustrated by Vivi Escriva.

This illustrated book for children introduces and organizes Christmas songs into the following categories: on the road to Bethlehem, the posadas, Christmas eve, the shepherds, Christmas lullabies, Saint Joseph, the Christmas tree, aguinaldos, and the Three Wise Kings. Musical notations of six of the songs are included at the end.



The Miracle of the First Poinsettia by Joanne Oppenheim. Illustrated by Fabian Negrin.

A retelling of a Mexican legend that describes the origin of the Poinsettia plant. In this version, a young girl has nothing to give the Christ child, but when the weeds she carries in her hands miraculously transform into red flowers, she now has the perfect gift.


Celebra La Navidad Y El Dia De Los Reyes Magos Con Pablo Y Carlitos / Celebrate Christmas and Three Kings Day With Pablo and by F. Isabel Campoy Isabel and Alma Flor Ada. Illustrated by Walter Torres.

Brothers Pablo and Carlitos write letters to the three kings, telling them the gifts they want to receive on Three Kings' Day. Includes facts about Christmas and Three Kings' Day.




Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto. Illustrated by Ed Martinez.

Maria tries on her mother's wedding ring while helping make tamales for a Christmas family get-together, but panic ensues when hours later, she realizes the ring is missing.





The Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos by Lucia Gonzalez. Illustrated by Lulu Delacre.

During the early days of the Great Depression, New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpré, introduces the public library to immigrants living in El Barrio and hosts the neighborhood's first Three Kings' Day fiesta.



Miracle of the Poinsettia/Milagro de la Flor de Nochebuena: A Retelling by Brian Cavanaugh. Illustrated by Dennis Rockhill. Translated by Carmen Lopez-Platek.

The Miracle of the Poinsettia is a retelling of a traditional Mexican legend--a small girl has no gift to give the Christ child at the Christmas Eve procession. She gathers up weeds from the roadside and because she give them from her heart, they are miraculously topped with glorious red flowers.

The Christmas Gift: El regalo de Navidad by Francisco Jiménez. Illustrated by Claire B. Cotts.

When his family has to move again a few days before Christmas in order to find work, Panchito worries that he will not get the ball he has been wanting.




Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid written and illustrated by Xavier Garza.

One night Santa Claus transformed his cousin Pancho into the resplendent Charro Claus with his incredible Flying Burritos. And Charro Claus, it turns out, even had his own surprise elf-his nephew Vincente! All Christmas Eve, Vincente and Pancho deliver toys to the boys and girls on the border.




Farolitos for Abuelo by Rudolfo Anaya. Illustrated by Edward Gonzales.

When Luz's beloved grandfather dies, she places luminaria around his grave on Christmas Eve as a way of remembering him.




Humphrey's First Christmas written and illustrated by Carol Heyer.

We have all hear the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the imaginative story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. This story reminds readers of the importance of Christmas and the true meaning of gift-giving.

To view last year Picture Books for Navidad click here.