Alma and How She Got Her Name

Alma and How She Got Her Name
Author: Juana Martinez-Neal
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Total Pages: 37
Release: 2018-04-10
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1536205303

A 2019 Caldecott Honor Book What’s in a name? For one little girl, her very long name tells the vibrant story of where she came from — and who she may one day be. If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all — and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her author-illustrator debut, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names.

Zonia's Rain Forest

Zonia's Rain Forest
Author: Juana Martinez-Neal
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Total Pages: 43
Release: 2021-03-30
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1536222666

A heartfelt, visually stunning picture book from Caldecott Honor and Robert F. Sibert Medal winner Juana Martinez-Neal illuminates a young girl’s day of play and adventure in the lush rain forest of Peru. Zonia’s home is the Amazon rain forest, where it is always green and full of life. Every morning, the rain forest calls to Zonia, and every morning, she answers. She visits the sloth family, greets the giant anteater, and runs with the speedy jaguar. But one morning, the rain forest calls to her in a troubled voice. How will Zonia answer? Acclaimed author-illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal explores the wonders of the rain forest with Zonia, an Asháninka girl, in her joyful outdoor adventures. The engaging text emphasizes Zonia’s empowering bond with her home, while the illustrations—created on paper made from banana bark—burst with luxuriant greens and delicate details. Illuminating back matter includes a translation of the story in Asháninka, information on the Asháninka community, and resources on the Amazon rain forest and its wildlife.

La Princesa and the Pea

La Princesa and the Pea
Author: Susan Middleton Elya
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 21
Release: 2017-09-05
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0399545336

The Princess and the Pea gets a fresh twist in this charming retelling with Spanish sprinkled throughout, winner of the Pura Belpré Medal for Illustration. El príncipe knows this girl is the one for him, but, as usual, his mother doesn’t agree. The queen has a secret test in mind to see if this girl is really a princesa, but the prince might just have a sneaky plan, too . . . Readers will be enchanted by this Latino twist on the classic story, and captivated by the vibrant art inspired by the culture of Peru.

The Book of Unknown Americans

The Book of Unknown Americans
Author: Cristina Henríquez
Publisher: Vintage
Total Pages: 251
Release: 2014-06-03
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 0385350856

A stunning novel of hopes and dreams, guilt and love—a book that offers a resonant new definition of what it means to be American and "illuminates the lives behind the current debates about Latino immigration" (The New York Times Book Review). When fifteen-year-old Maribel Rivera sustains a terrible injury, the Riveras leave behind a comfortable life in Mexico and risk everything to come to the United States so that Maribel can have the care she needs. Once they arrive, it’s not long before Maribel attracts the attention of Mayor Toro, the son of one of their new neighbors, who sees a kindred spirit in this beautiful, damaged outsider. Their love story sets in motion events that will have profound repercussions for everyone involved. Here Henríquez seamlessly interweaves the story of these star-crossed lovers, and of the Rivera and Toro families, with the testimonials of men and women who have come to the United States from all over Latin America.

Babymoon

Babymoon
Author: Hayley Barrett
Publisher: Candlewick
Total Pages: 33
Release: 2019-03-14
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0763688525

In a perfect gift for new and expectant parents (and siblings), a gentle story pays tribute to the wonder and emotion of a family’s first quiet days with a newborn. The house is hushed. The lights are low. We’re basking in a newborn glow. Inside the cozy house, a baby has arrived! The world is eager to meet the newcomer, but there will be time enough for that later. Right now, the family is on its babymoon: cocooning, connecting, learning, and muddling through each new concern. While the term “babymoon” is often used to refer to a parents’ getaway before the birth of a child, it was originally coined by midwives to describe days like these: at home with a newborn, with the world held at bay and the wonder of a new family constellation unfolding. Paired with warm and winsome illustrations by Juana Martinez-Neal, Hayley Barrett’s lyrical ode to these tender first days will resonate with new families everywhere.

Andy, That's My Name

Andy, That's My Name
Author: Tomie dePaola
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Total Pages: 32
Release: 2015-10-13
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 1481442333

Several kids looking for something to do make words from the letters in little Andy's name.

Swashby and the Sea

Swashby and the Sea
Author: Beth Ferry
Publisher: HarperCollins
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2020-05-05
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0358335787

★ "An exceptionally satisfying picture book." —Booklist (starred review) ★ "This readaloud is sweetly told as Swashby overcomes his bitter habits to welcome new, friendly, and energetic people into his quiet life." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review) From New York Times bestselling author Beth Ferry and Caldecott Honor winner Juana Martinez-Neal comes a sweet-and-salty friendship story perfect for pirate-lovers and emerging readers learning to embrace moments of change. This hilarious picture book will keep emerging readers laughing, and the message-related mishaps in the story create an opportunity for spelling and sounding out new words! Captain Swashby loves the sea, his oldest friend. And he loves his life by the sea just as it is: salty and sandy and serene. One day, much to Swashby’s chagrin, a young girl and her granny commandeer the empty house next door. All Swashby wants is for his new neighbors to GO AWAY and take their ruckus with them. When Swashby begins to leave notes in the sand for his noisy neighbors, however, the beach interferes with the messages that are getting across. Could it be that the captain’s oldest friend, the sea, knows what Swashby needs even better than he knows himself?

La Madre Goose

La Madre Goose
Author: Susan Middleton Elya
Publisher: Penguin
Total Pages: 34
Release: 2016-07-19
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 039925157X

Classic favorites get a modern Latino twist, with Spanish sprinkled throughout The itsy arañita climbed up the water spout. Down came la lluvia and washed la araña out. Classic Mother Goose rhymes get a Latino twist in this cozy collection. From young Juan Ramón sitting in el rincón to three little gatitos who lost their mitoncitos, readers will be delighted to see familiar characters in vibrant, luminous scenes brimming with fanciful details. La Madre Goose will make a playful multicultural addition to every modern bookshelf. A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2016

The Name Jar

The Name Jar
Author: Yangsook Choi
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Total Pages: 42
Release: 2013-10-30
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 0307793443

A heartwarming story about the new girl in school, and how she learns to appreciate her Korean name. Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what happens when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious about fitting in. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she decides to choose an American name from a glass jar. But while Unhei thinks of being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, nothing feels right. With the help of a new friend, Unhei will learn that the best name is her own. From acclaimed creator Yangsook Choi comes the bestselling classic about finding the courage to be yourself and being proud of your background.

Hello, My Name Is . . .

Hello, My Name Is . . .
Author: Marisa Polansky
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Total Pages: 17
Release: 2018-05-15
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 1466898216

Inspired by a true event! In the summer of 2015, an adorable new species of octopus was discovered on the ocean floor—this picture book story imagines how this cute creature got his name. Deep down in the water lives an octopus small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. But he doesn’t have a name! Anglerfish is named for his hook like an angler, Mimic Octopus for her ability to change shape and color, and Giant Squid is GIANT! But this little guy doesn’t have the same abilities as the other creatures. What could his name be? With Marisa Polansky's sweet text and Joey Chou's dynamic illustrations, Hello, My Name Is... imagines how the cutest creature in the sea got his name. The story includes a note from a scientist about the naming process and more information about Adorabilis.