RAFI AND ROSI SERIES
SERIES OVERVIEW
In this award-winning series, irrepressible Rafi Coquí, and his younger plucky sister Rosi explore the natural beauty, traditions, history, and culture of their native Puerto Rico. Each title features three distinct stories centered on a specific theme: nature, carnival, history, and music. Woven into the fabric of the rollicking adventures of the curious duo is the abiding love for each other. Children from any background will relate to their sibling relationship. Available in original English and Spanish versions.
Latest title
Rafi and Rosi, Music! • Rafi y Rosi ¡Música!
Sing and dance with the tree frog siblings as they explore Puerto Rican bomba, plena and salsa! Fiery Bomba, Plena Blues and Hot Salsa are the three stories that will have readers thumping their feet and clapping their hands by the end of the book.
The process
ABOUT THE STORIEs
They say that when Puerto Ricans leave the island they have trouble falling asleep without the lullaby of el coquí. It happened to me. I sorely missed this adorable tree frog’s song. One day, thinking about my island, I started sketching coquíes from memory. And from my sketches Rafi and Rosi were born.
From the very beginning I knew the stories would be about the relationship between an older brother and his little sister. The stories mirror my husband's antics growing up in Puerto Rico and his relationship to his younger sister. The character of Rosi has a little of me in her.
The siblings’ adventures are set in Puerto Rico and share the island's stunning natural beauty, rich culture, centuries-old traditions and history. The island has always been a source of inspiration for my work and I'm proud that Rafi and Rosi can tell a little of its story with beginner readers. More extensive background here.
ABOUT THE ART
To create the art I used a sepia watercolor pencil for the outlines of my characters. Then I filled the shapes with Windsor and Newton watercolors. The sepia outline bled a little as I painted the tree frogs giving my characters warmth.
SCHOOL PROGRAMs
MEET RAFI AND ROSI
45 min. A slide show in DVD format telling how the characters were born and the stories developed, a demonstration of the "magic fingers" trick. Recommended for grades 1-2.
THE MAKING OF A BOOK, RAFI AND ROSI: CARNIVAL!
45 min. A reading of Queen for a Day, a slide show in DVD format that explains the process in the making of a book, and a peek at an authentic vejigante costume.
Recommended for grades 1- 3.
THE MAKING OF A BOOK, RAFI AND ROSI: PIRATES!
45 min. A reading of Pirate Treasure, a slide show that explains the process in the making of a book, and a peek at old pirate money! Recommended for grades 1- 3.
The making of a Book, Rafi and Rosi: Music!
45 min. A reading of the story Fiery Bomba while readers see its illustrations on a screen. Lulu then explains the process in the making of a book.
Kids will also learn the basics of the bomba musical genre and its call and response tradition. Recommended for grades 1- 3.
reviews + AWARDS
Rafi and Rosi • Rafi y Rosi
Junior Library Guild Selection
Bank Street College of Education English/Spanish Language Best Books
Rafi and Rosi Carnival! • Rafi y Rosi ¡Carnaval!
Junior Library Guild Selection
Bank Street College of Education English/Spanish Language Best Books
Rafi and Rosi Pirates! • Rafi y Rosi ¡Piratas!
Junior Library Guild Selection
Primer Premio Campoy-Ada de la Academia Americana de la Lengua Española
Top Early Chapter Book SLJ Fuse #8 Production
Top Bilingual Chapter Book SLJ Fuse #8 Production
Horn Book Guide Recommended Easy Reader
ALSC Summer Reading List
Rafi and Rosi Music! • Rafi y Rosi ¡Música!
Junior Library Guild Selection
Top Easy Book SLJ Fuse #8 Production
"Delacre affectionately depicts the brief conflicts and abiding love between this busy duo, adding appealing watercolor illustrations. While Rafi is older and savvier, the verve with which Rosi approaches the panoply of childish emotions will jibe with kids fresh from such mastery themselves." – Kirkus Reviews
"These frog siblings are mischievous, but it is clear that they love and appreciate one another. Their emotions and experiences are universal to childhood. The charming cartoon illustrations are integral to the amusing text." – School Library Journal
"Puerto Rican tree frogs Rafi and Rosi team up for some informative hijinks in this beginning reader.... Delacre illustrates this title in sunny beach shades of sand and sky, making the most of the expressively big-eyed tree frogs and their spindly but graceful limbs. Rafi and Rosi are a likable pair of siblings, and their science-oriented activities, while not intrusive, provide an underlying solidity to their interaction." – Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
"Rafi the irrepressible tree frog is back with his younger, plucky sister, Rosi…. A sweet and engaging story." – Kirkus Reviews
"...a good addition for libraries wishing to add diversity to the collection, or those serving Spanish-speaking children." – Booklist
"...their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity.”– Kirkus Reviews
“Lively illustrations done in watercolor and colored pencil adorn the page…. Ideal for early fluent readers.”– School Library Journal