Lucha Libros: June 2014

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Hidden gems: Papagayo, The Mischief Maker by Gerald McDermont

Feliz día everyone!

Enjoying what is sure to be a great summer, we at La Casa AzulBookstore are always reading exciting new books. After all, school might be ending soon but that doesn’t mean we should forget to read. This week we have come across an interesting book, Papagayo, The Mischief Maker by Gerald McDermont.

Have you ever had neighbors that are rather noisy? Papagayo is just such a neighbor, always making loud noises and getting into mischief in the jungle. Night animals trying to sleep aren’t as amused as Papagayo is by all the racket and are always upset with him. However, when a new danger comes into the forest, it is up to Papagayo to save the day. The illustrations by McDermont remind me of Eric Carle, with his use of collages to create images. In Papagayo, we see a combination of bright colors that together evoke the richness of the jungle and make it a treat to see.

Add that to the story which demonstrates the ability to turn something that many see to be a nuisance into something powerful that saves the day and you have a story that will not only entertain but give its audience a fresh perspective. This book is definitely on our list to read this summer.

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

- Galia, Schools Program Coordinator

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Cuentos...discovering the Person Behind the Story

June Spotlight: Sonia Manzano

This month we are featuring Sonia Manzano, better known to many as Maria on Sesame Street. Apart from acting on Sesame Street and being a presence on Public Television since the 1970’s, Sonia has been a writer for both Sesame Street and Little Bill. She has written two children’s picture books, A Box Full of Kittens and No Dogs Allowed! and most recently released a young adult novel The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano.

Sonia, of the books you have written, which do you reflect the most on? Why?

I have to say I mostly reflect on my first picture book, No Dogs Allowed! It's really a tribute to my family, though I did suffer chaotically hilarious trips to Lake Welch in New Jersey when I was a little girl! Each time I read it I think both about the relatives in it, and not in it.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Here's what I'd tell myself. "Shut up and listen! You already know what you know. If you listen, you'll learn something new!"

What three children’s books, other than your own, would you name as must reads? Why?

Hard to limit my "must read" list to "three" and just children's books at that so I'll throw in one adult novel as well. The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant is a lovely picture book published in the late 1980's. I read When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago whenever I need a jolt of inspiration, and whenever I entertain pre-schoolers I pick up Sesame Street classic, The Monster at The End of This Book by Jon Stone.

What places you would suggest children/families visit when in your hometown?

My hometown is The Bronx and the greater NY area. I would suggest visiting the Tenement Museum in lower Manhattan. I love it because I fantasize my parents living in similar places when they came to New York from Puerto Rico in the late 1940's.

Also - I'm lending a hand in helping create a children's museum in the Bronx. When that museum becomes a reality it'll become a destination for children and families from all over.

Sonia Mazano’s young adult novel The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano is the very first book of the One Book, One Barrio project.

One Book, One Barrio is La Casa Azul Bookstore’s community-wide reading campaign to promote literacy and foster community through literature in East Harlem.

Learn about how to be a part of
One Book, One Barrio on the bookstore website.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Hidden Gems: Papá and Me by Arthur Dorros

Happy Thursday everyone!

For today's blog post, I read Papá and Me by Arthur Dorros, illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez.

There is nothing as special as a child’s bond to his or her parents. In his story, Dorros explores the bond between a father and his son. We see the love between them as they get ready for the day and the many activities they have planned. The simplicity of the text and the seamless inclusion of Spanish words invokes memories of time spent with my family, where Spanish and English gently flowed and intertwined. Add the illustrations, which not only explode with vibrant colors but have soft, curved edges that bring forth a sense of encircling and you have a book that is as comforting as a father’s embrace. This is a book that should be given to anyone that shares a bond with their father and would definitely make a great Father’s Day gift this June 15th.

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

- Galia, Schools Program Coordinator