April is the month to celebrate books and the planet! Here are some of my favorites. If you want to know more about these books and the authors, during the month of April I’ll be chatting with them on my Instagram account. Check them out: @AndreaOlatunji
Author Pilar Velez
http://lettertomydreams.com/
This is the first book of the “Carta a mis sueños” series by the Colombian writer and president of “Mi libro Hispano” association, Pilar Vélez. Pilar’s many award-winning books and projects aim to promote Hispanic culture and protect our environment. The city of Isabella in the Galápagos islands dedicated a library to her!
“Carta a mis sueños para el planeta Tierra” is an invitation to love and care for our planet. It is written in a way that enhances the language learning process while empowering young kids. There are activities, resources, and even biographies in this wonderful rendition to our mother Earth.
Author Gina Gallois
http://moonflowerpress.com
Gina Gallois is a former French teacher who has published books in English, Spanish and French. In this book “Nuestras amigas las zarigüeyas” Gina teaches us about these interesting animals.
With an interactive approach to the story and highlighted relevant vocabulary, we get to learn many facts about these animals. The illustrations are really beautiful and at the end you can find even more facts, including how the animal is called in different countries. In Uruguay, we call them comadrejas and here in New Orleans, where I live, we see them all the time! (Spanish)
Author Leticia Ordaz
https://cielitolindobooks.com/
Leticia Ordaz is a Mexican-American award-winning children’s book author, and Emmy-nominated anchor/reporter in Sacramento, California. With her books, Leticia is committed to promote diversity.
With thirteen touch and feel textures, “Mr. Macaw’s Paleta Adventure” takes us on the adventures of two boys and their kite “Mr. Macaw”. This is perfect for young readers as they want to experience and feel the process. Beautifully illustrated with easy to follow language. (Bilingual)
Author Susana Illera Martinez
https://lalathelizard.weebly.com/
Susana Illera Martínez is an award winning Colombian author with over two decades of experience in advertising, marketing, and graphic design.
“Lala, a different kind of lizard (una lagartija diferente)” has won the Latino Book Award 2nd Place ~ Most inspirational Children’s Picture Books 2020. This is a beautiful book about acceptance and friendship.
Lala feels insecure about revealing to her family that she does not eat insects and her best friend is a spider. After the two friends journey away from the Pond by The Rock, Lala, and Ari discover that our differences make us special and that it’s important to be surrounded by those who accept us the way we are. (Bilingual)
Author Cristina Sicard
https://cristinasicardauthor.com/
Cristina Sicard was born in Ohio and has Dominican roots. With a background in journalism and education, Cristina brings us this sweet story with a great message.
Year after year, Sábana the sloth worries about everything. He is convinced his anxiety will never allow him to succeed in life. When he is ready to give up, a new friend helps Sábana recognize his worth.
Sábana and Lula are characters the author hopes to connect with individuals and elevate diversity and inclusion. (English)
Author Alexis Ruginis
https://veoleo.co/
Raised in Colombia and bilingual, Alexis Ruginis and her sister Janike Ruginis have teamed up to create Veoleo,a small press that focuses on producing board books entirely in Spanish to emphasize language immersion, and storylines that are witty, fun, interesting, and infused with Latin American and Caribbean culture.
Pensamientos uses pansies to reveal a playful world of magical connections between colors, emotions, and the power of our thoughts. (Spanish)
Author Yolanda Puente Balcazar
Yolanda Puente Balcazar is a native of Cali, Colombia with thirty one years of experience as an educator! She has a passion for writing books and poetry.
Tita is a little turtle who lives in the rainforest. She is about to turn five and her mom wants to give her a nice celebration. However, things don’t come out as expected. You never know how things may turn out when you decide to surprise somebody. (Spanish)
Author LaRupra
A native of Bogotá, Colombia, Dallán Ruiz Prada (or LaRupra, as she is known in the literary world), studied library science and has worked for many years in public and university libraries.
“Baloo, el perro tragón” is a mischievous puppy that wants to eat everything he comes across. Simonna, his sister is the storyteller in this cute book that teaches us about the sweet relationship between kids and animals. (Bilingual)
Author Andrea Ruiz
https://www.mimishero.com/
Andrea Ruiz is an entrepreneur, author, and the co-founder of Girls Lead Summit, a peer-to-peer mentorship program for girls 8 to 14 years old.
After Mimi’s parents venture outside of Planet Lili in search of a better life for her and her little brother, she suddenly faces the seemingly impossible task of finding them in the vast Andromeda Galaxy. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as Mimi travels from planet to planet and unlocks her natural superpowers: integrity, kindness, gratitude, and self-love. Throughout her journey, she builds meaningful connections with her ancestors as well as her inner child.
This story inspires readers of all ages to unlock their limitless potential, discover the magic inside themselves.
(Bilingual)
