As the Year comes to a Close
Cool Green News
What a delight to wake up on a chilly November day to the news from the National Council of Teachers of English. Cool Green: Amazing, Remarkable Trees was named an Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Recommended Title. You can now order a personalized copy of the book at Politics & Prose Bookstore. Write in the comments section of the order to whom you would like the book signed to. I will be happy to personalize it for you.
Spotlight on Schools
Presenting at the Virginia Childrens Book Festival had a an unexpected reward. A few days after the festival, I received an email from Mrs. Tuck. The teacher and her second grades had recreated what Marisol did in Veo, Veo, I See You. Mrs. Tuck’s students wrote heartfelt messages to the essential workers of their school community. I'm sure that more than one staff member smiled as they saw themselves being acknowledged.
New Book Deal
Yes! It’s true. Rafi and Rosi Coquí will be back in 2025! I’m so glad to be working on this, the final set of adventures of the inseparable siblings. Since I created the characters back in 2002, I’ve always seen Rafi and Rosi as ambassadors of Puerto Rico. They’ve shared the natural beauty of the island, the sheer joy of Carnival, the history behind colonial forts, and our rich musical traditions. So the last book had to be about what else—but food! Recipes for delicious, delectable and distinctive dishes included.
Gifts
It’s such a joy to know one’s work speaks to a child. It’s a joy to know a young child can fall in love with a book. These. moments of joy are gifts. As the year comes to a close I’m grateful for children like Mateo and the adults who place the right book in their small hands.