Hidden Gems at La Casa Azul Bookstore, 1/28/2014

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

We start off with this week with “The Little Matador” written and illustrated by Julian Hector.

What do you do when you don’t want to follow in the footsteps of your ancestors? 

This is the tough question the Little Matador must face. Coming from a long line of proud bullfighters he is expected to become a great Matador but all he really wants to do is draw. Will he follow the path laid down by his ancestors or follow his dreams? 

Decisions will have to be made after a scandal forces everyone to face the question of loyalty to our traditions, independence and in the end the love of family. Simple and charismatic, this book is perfect for the little ones in your life you wish to teach the spirit of independence and the value of familial love.

Think this is a great book? Make sure to keep an eye out for it and other great finds in our children’s section.

 

- Galia, School Programs Coordinator

Hidden Gems at La Casa Azul Bookstore, 1/21/2014

Happy Tuesday everyone! 

Beginning this week we will be reviewing children’s books you might have not come across as frequently. In the great treasure that is our book selection, these hidden gems will be highlighted so as not be missed. 

This week’s book is Estrellita se despide de su isla/ Estrellita Says Good-bye to Her Island by Samuel Caraballo, illustrated by Pablo Torrecilla.

How do you say good-bye to an entire way of life, without knowing what the future holds? 

In this book Estrellita leaves her beloved island on a plane with no return date set. Perfused with a strong sense of nostalgia for one so young, the pictures and rhythmic sentences allow the reader both to have a sense of being on this beautiful island as well as share in the main character’s longing to return to this paradise. If you want to share the beauty of the Caribbean with those that haven’t been or miss being there this the book that will bring you back.

Think this is a great book? 

Make sure to keep an eye out for it and other great finds in our children’s section.

Galia, School Programs Coordinator

My Journey at La Casa Azul Bookstore

My life has definitely changed because of the experiences I have acquired through the position of Operations Intern at La Casa Azul Bookstore. My first days here were a mind opener on myself, my culture, and my identity within the vast Latino perspective. I absorbed such profound stories and knowledge from the books that I was surrounded by in the bookstore, from “Boricuas: Influential Puerto Rican Writings—An Anthology” to “Women Warriors of the Afro-Latina Diaspora” all which shifted my life to where it needs to be. The amazing women who make up the staff and their influence on me from the artistic expression to their academic accomplishment gave me such determination for myself to pursue and take my education seriously. Meeting my favorite artist, Manny De La Vega, and my favorite author/activist, Marta Moreno Vega were such beautiful experiences!

But I think the most important aspect of being an intern was the new skills and perspective I was given on how to run a bookstore and how social media affects the functions of a small business like La Casa Azul Bookstore. Aurora is definitely the pillar and the ideal role model that small business owners should look up to, especially if the community is an important element of their business.

I have learned not only from the bookstore but mostly from Aurora herself. The word “consistency” is forever embedded in my soul and how it is incorporated in everyday life, in the functions of a successful small business, and in my personal life as an individual learning from life itself. I am glad to have served as a intern in this sacred artistic space and to have been a part of a “cultural sancocho” family of amazing professional and successful Latinas. 

Chris Lopez, January 2014