Apr 29 2021

Celebrating 25 Years of the Pura Belpré Award: Book Talk About Chato’s Kitchen and Chato and the Party Animals by Gary Soto, illus. by Susan Guevara

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The Pura Belpré Award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latinx writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

We will be marking the award’s 25th anniversary in different ways on the blog. Today, Dr. Sonia Rodriguez and Dora M. Guzmán talk about Chato’s Kitchen and Chato and the Party Animals, both written by Gary Soto and illustrated by Susan Guevara. Chato’s Kitchen won the Pura Belpré Award for illustration in 1996, and Chato and the Party Animals won the illustration award in 2002. You can find our book talks on our new YouTube channel!

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For more, read this spotlight on the illustrator: CLICK HERE.

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Sonia Alejandra Rodriguez, PhD is an Associate Professor of English at LaGuardia Community College (CUNY) where she teaches composition, literature, and creative writing. Her academic research focuses on decolonial healing in Latinx children’s and young adult literature. Sonia is a Mellon Emerging Faculty Leader.

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Dora Guzmán is a bilingual reading specialist for grades K-5 and also teaches college courses in Children’s Literature and Teaching Beginning Literacy. She is currently a doctoral student with a major in Reading, Language, and Literacy. When she is not sharing her love of reading with her students, you can find her in the nearest library, bookstore, or online, finding more great reads to add to her never-ending “to read” pile!

Apr 26 2021

Celebrating 25 Years of the Pura Belpré Award: Book Talk About Grandma’s Gift by Eric Velasquez

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We are an affiliate with Indiebound and Bookshop. If If you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission.

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The Pura Belpré Award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latinx writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

We will be marking the award’s 25th anniversary in different ways on the blog. Today, Dr. Sonia Rodriguez and Dora M. Guzmán talk about Grandma’s Gift by Eric Velasquez, which won the Pura Belpré Award for illustration in 2011. You can find our book talks on our new YouTube channel!

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If you want to read a review of Grandma’s Gift, click HERE.

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Sonia Alejandra Rodriguez, PhD is an Associate Professor of English at LaGuardia Community College (CUNY) where she teaches composition, literature, and creative writing. Her academic research focuses on decolonial healing in Latinx children’s and young adult literature. Sonia is a Mellon Emerging Faculty Leader.

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Dora Guzmán is a bilingual reading specialist for grades K-5 and also teaches college courses in Children’s Literature and Teaching Beginning Literacy. She is currently a doctoral student with a major in Reading, Language, and Literacy. When she is not sharing her love of reading with her students, you can find her in the nearest library, bookstore, or online, finding more great reads to add to her never-ending “to read” pile!

Apr 22 2021

The Pura Belpré Award celebrates its 25th anniversary this year!

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We are an affiliate with Indiebound and Bookshop. If If you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission.

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By Romy Natalia Goldberg

What’s the Pura Belpré Award? If you don’t know…you should. The award is named after Pura Belpré, the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library. The Pura Belpré Award, established in 1996, is presented annually to a Latinx writer and illustrator whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.

We will be marking the award’s 25th anniversary in different ways on the blog. For now, here’s a starter for those who want to learn more about the life and legacy of this Puerto Rican icon.

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Books about Pura Belpré:

Planting Stories / Sembrando historias written by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Paola Escobar. Click on the links or cover for more information. For a review of Planting Stories, click HERE.

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The Story Teller’s Candle / La velita de los cuentos written by Lucia Gonzalez, illustrated by Lulu Delcare. Click on the cover for more information.

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The Stories I Read to the Children: The Life and Writing of Pura Belpré, the Legendary Storyteller, Children’s Author and NY Public Librarian by Lisa Sánchez González.

Amazon.com: The Stories I Read to the Children: The Life and Writing of Pura Belpré, the Legendary Storyteller, Children's Author and NY Public Librarian (9781878483805): Sánchez González, Lisa: Books

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Releasing September 7, 2021: Pura’s Cuentos: How Pura Belpre Reshaped Libraries with Her Stories written by Annette Bay Pimentel, illustrated by Magalay Morales. Click on the cover for more information.

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The Pura Belpré Award

For a list of winners and honor books, click HERE or HERE.

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Books By Pura Belpré

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Romy Natalia Goldberg is a Paraguayan-American travel and kid lit author with a love for stories about culture and communication. Her guidebook to Paraguay, Other Places Travel Guide to Paraguay, was published in 2012 and 2017 and led to work with “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown,” and The Guardian. She is an active SCBWI member and co-runs Kidlit Latinx, a Facebook support group for Latinx children’s book authors and illustrators.

Apr 21 2021

Latinx Book Deals: January-March 2021

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Compiled by Cecilia Cackley

This is a monthly series keeping track of the book deals announced by Latinx writers and illustrators. The purpose of this series is to celebrate book deals by authors and illustrators in our community and to advocate for more of them. If you are an agent and you have a Latinx client who just announced a deal, you can let me know on Twitter, @citymousedc. If you are a Latinx author or illustrator writing for children or young adults, and you just got a book deal, send me a message and we will celebrate with you! And if I left anyone out here, please let me know! Here’s to many more wonderful books in the years to come.

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January 5

Alyza Liu at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja, a bilingual story in which a child believes their new babysitter might just be a witch, by Brazilian author Ana Siqueira, illustrated by Irena Freitas. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022 and simultaneously in Spanish as Cuando tu niñera es un bruja, with text translated by the author. Author agent: Andrea Walker at Olswanger Literary. Illustrator agent:  Andrea Morrison at Writers House.

January 7

Emily Seife and David Levithan at Scholastic have bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to Invisibles by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, a bilingual middle grade graphic novel about five very different Latinx students who form an unexpected bond after being forced together to complete community service hours. Gaby Epstein will illustrate. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022. Author agent: Jennifer Rofé at Andrea Brown Literary. Illustrator agent: Steven Salpeter at Curtis Brown.

January 12

Wendy Loggia at Underlined has bought world rights to Small Town Monsters by Diana Rodriguez Wallach; Alison Romig will edit. Pitched as The Conjuring meets The Vow, this #OwnVoices Latinx horror story follows the daughter of demonologists and her crush, who face off against evil forces inspired by both American and Latin American folklore. Publication is scheduled for fall 2021. Author agent: Lane Heymont at Tobias Literary.

January 14

Emily Seife at Scholastic has acquired, at auction, Witchlings by Claribel Ortega. This middle grade novel follows a 12-year-old witch who is sorted into a coven of unwanted spare witches with her bully and the new witch in town; they must now band together to defeat the fearsome Nightbeast or risk being turned into a trio of toads. Publication is planned for 2022. Author agent: Suzie Townsend at New Leaf Literary & Media.

January 21

None.

January 26

Emily Settle at Feiwel and Friends has acquired two titles for the publisher’s new Remixed Classics series: a retelling of The Great Gatsby written by Anna-Marie McLemore, featuring Gatsby as a transgender young man, amid the glamour and sparkle of the 1920s; and a fresh take on Romeo and Juliet by Caleb Roehrig, bringing a queer perspective to Shakespeare’s timeless work. Publication for McLemore’s book is set for fall 2022. Author agent: Taylor Martindale Kean at Full Circle Literary.

Alexa Wejko at Soho Teen has acquired What’s Coming to Me by debut author Francesca Padilla. After the ice cream stand where she works is robbed, 17-year-old Minerva Gutiérrez plans revenge on her complicit boss, while navigating grief, anger, and the possibility of escape from her dead-end town—as well as secrets and mistakes of her own. Publication is planned for summer 2022. Author agent: Kate McKean at Howard Morhaim Literary.

Anuoluwapo Ohioma at Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to Mi Ciudad Sings, written by Cynthia Harmony (l.) and illustrated by Teresa Martinez. This debut picture book by the author tells the story of a Mexican girl and her neighbors as they help each other rebuild their once-vibrant city disrupted by a devastating earthquake. Publication is set for summer 2022. Author agent: Natascha Morris brokered the deal while at BookEnds. James McGowan now represents the author. Illustrator agent: Christine Hong at Astound US.

Nancy Inteli at HarperCollins has acquired world rights to Gato Guapo, a read-aloud about counting kittens, featuring bilingual text by Anika Aldamuy Denise, illustrated by Zara González Hoang. Publication is scheduled for winter 2023. Author agent: Emily van Beek at Folio Jr./Folio Literary Management. Illustrator agent: Andrea Morrison at Writers House.

February 2

Amanda Ramirez at Simon & Schuster has acquired Meet Me Halfway by Anika Fajardo (What If a Fish), a middle grade novel in the vein of The Parent Trap, about two girls who, after discovering they are half-sisters, go on an adventure to meet their Colombian father for the first time. Publication is planned for spring 2022. Author agent: Thao Le at the Dijkstra Agency.

Melanie Cordova at Candlewick has acquired My Dog Just Speaks Spanish and an untitled picture book by debut author-illustrator Andrea Cáceres. Highlighting the multicultural neighborhood that a girl and her dog explore, the first picture book was inspired by Cáceres’s own dog, who came to New York following Cáceres’s immigration and only understands words like “treat” and “sit” when spoken in Spanish. Publication is slated for spring 2023. Author agent:  Rebecca Sherman at Writers House.

Kendra Levin at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights to I Love My Body Because by Shelly Anand (Laxmi’s Mooch) and debut author Nomi Ellenson, illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina. This picture book celebrates the beauty, versatility, and resilience of the human body in all its various shapes and sizes. Publication is slated for summer 2022. Illustrator agent: Claire Easton at Painted Words.

Brett Duquette at Little Bee Books has acquired world rights to This Magical, Musical Night, written by Rhonda Gowler Greene and illustrated by James Rey Sanchez, an introduction to the orchestra and its various instruments. Publication is planned for fall 2021. Illustrator agent: James Burns at the Bright Agency.

February 4

None

February 11

Zhiqiao Wang at Yeehoo Press has acquired world rights to The Gentle Bulldozer by debut author Amy Baron, illustrated by Rogério Coelho. This picture book follows an unfulfilled bulldozer who takes a solo road trip in search of his life’s purpose. Publication is planned for spring 2022 in the U.S. and mainland China. Illustrator agent: Mohamed Danawi at Illozoo Agency.

February 18

None.

February 23

Nick Thomas at Levine Querido has acquired Neverforgotten by Alejandra Algorta, illustrated by Iván Rickenmann, and translated by International Latino Book Award winner Aida Salazar in her first novel translation. It tells the story of the best bicycle rider in all of Bogotá who, one day, simply forgets how to ride. Publication is set for fall 2021. Author agent: Pablo de la Vega did the deal for world English and Dutch and USC Spanish rights on behalf of Babel Libros. Translator agent: Marietta Zacker at Gallt & Zacker.

Sylvie Frank at S&S/Wiseman has acquired world rights to How to Make a Memory by Elaine Vickers, illustrated by Ana Aranda. This picture book celebrates memory and its place in helping us hold dear life’s precious moments. Publication is scheduled for spring 2023. Illustrator agent: Adriana Dominguez at Full Circle Literary.

Kayla Tostevin at Page Street has acquired world rights to Payden’s Pronoun Party by Blue Jaryn, illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo. This picture book features a child’s quest for the best pronouns and a party for celebrating the perfect match. Publication is planned for fall 2022.

Asia Citro at Innovation Press has bought world rights to Xavier’s Voice by Ashley Franklin, with art by debut illustrator Tatiana Gardel. This picture book follows a socially awkward boy who has no idea how to use his voice to make friends; but after sharing his sketchbook with a new buddy, he learns he doesn’t have to mask who he is in the name of friendship. Publication is set for fall 2023. Illustrator agent: Jemiscoe Chambers-Black at Andrea Brown Literary.

February 25

Alison Deering at Capstone has bought world rights to ¡Hola Lola!, a new chapter book series by Guatemalan-born author Karen Krause, writing as Keka Novales. The series will follow Lola Lopes Martinez, a second-generation Hispanic American girl, as she navigates the “firsts” of growing up. Publication is set for fall 2022. Author agent: Natalie Lakosil at Bradford Literary.

March 2

Whitney Leopard at Random House Graphic has preempted world rights to Hugo and Dino, a chapter book graphic novel series by Red Panda and Moon Bear creator Jarod Roselló. The books follow a boy who can change the world around him just enough to go on magical adventures with his best friend, Dino. Publication for the first book is scheduled for fall 2023. Author agent: Ammi-Joan Paquette at Erin Murphy Literary.

Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has acquired Dinner on Domingos by debut author Alexandra Katona), illustrated by Claudia Navarro (La Frontera). In this celebration of family and food, inspired by the author’s own childhood, a Latinx girl who doesn’t speak much Spanish searches for ways to connect with her Abuelita. Publication is set for fall 2021.

March 4

Shelly Romero at Scholastic has bought world rights to Join the Club, Maggie Diaz by Nina Moreno (Don’t Date Rosa Santos), illustrated by Courtney Lovett. The illustrated middle grade novel follows a 12-year-old Cuban American girl who is determined to discover who she is and what her “thing” is, no matter how many activities or clubs it takes. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022. Author agent: Laura Crockett at Triada US Literary.

Ariel Richardson at Chronicle has bought world rights, at auction, to The River of Dust: Africa to the Amazon by debut author Jilanne Hoffmann, illustrated by Eugenia Mello. Celebrating the power and wonder of Earth’s ecosystems, this nonfiction picture book follows Dust across the globe as it revels in the beauty of its journey and the vital role it plays in nurturing life. Publication is set for spring 2023. Illustrator agent: Elena Giovinazzo at Pippin Properties.

March 9

Lisa Mangum at Shadow Mountain has bought Missing Okalee by Laura Ojeda Melchor. Her debut middle grade novel features 12-year-old Phoebe Paz Peterson, who can’t seem to shine more brightly than her little sister, Okalee. Phoebe is sure that snagging the solo in the school choir will finally give her a chance at the spotlight. But when a tragic accident takes Okalee from her, Phoebe loses her beautiful singing voice and gains a terrible secret. Publication is planned for fall 2021. Author agent: Danielle Chiotti of Upstart Crow Literary.

Neal Porter at Holiday House/Porter has bought world rights to Pass the Baby! by Orbis Pictus Honoree Susanna Reich (Stand Up and Sing!), illustrated by 2020 Eric Carle Museum Honoree Raúl Colón (Imagine!), a riotous picture book about a diverse family celebrating a meal together… and the baby who’s the center of their attention. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023. Illustrator agent: Brenda Bowen at the Book Group.

March 11

Courtney Code at Abrams has acquired Pa, Me and Our Sidewalk Pantry by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by Zara González Hoang. The picture book is about a girl and her grandfather who build a shared sidewalk pantry to accompany their shared library, helping her neighbors in hard times with foods that can be enjoyed with favorite books. Publication is slated for spring 2023. Illustrator agent: Andrea Morrison at Writers House.

March 16

Alessandra Balzer at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray has acquired, in a four-house auction, The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by debut author Sonora Reyes. A YA contemporary for fans of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda and I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, it follows 16-year-old Yamilet Flores, who has just started at a new Catholic school after being outed by her ex-best friend and crush at her old school. Her new goals: make her mom proud, keep her brother out of trouble, and most importantly, don’t fall in love. But that’s not easy when Bo, the only openly queer girl at school, is funny, cute, and seems like she might be interested in Yami. Publication is set for spring 2022. Author agent: Alexandra Levick at Writers House.

Kate Harrison at Dial, in an offer made as a three-imprint house bid, has bought Mexikid, a middle grade graphic memoir by cartoonist Pedro Martin in a preempt. Recounting the winter that Pedro’s family piled into a Winnebago and drove down to a small town near Guadalajara with a mission—bring their Abuelito back to America—the memoir is a family story going back generations to the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s and an epic road trip story. Publication is slated for spring 2023. Author agent: Daniel Lazar at Writers House.

Sarah Ketchersid at Candlewick has acquired, at auction, world rights to Millie, written and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo, as well as a second untitled picture book. The first book tells the story of a child overcoming shyness and anxiety, gaining comfort and confidence from the love and companionship of a new dog. Publication is scheduled for fall 2023. Author agent: Paul Rodeen at Rodeen Literary.

Farrin Jacobs at Little, Brown has acquired world rights to Brown Girl, Brown Girl by poet Leslé Honoré, illustrated by Coretta Scott King and Caldecott Honoree Cozbi A. Cabrera (Me & Mama). This debut picture book is inspired by Honoré’s poem that went viral in 2020, which celebrates the beauty and strength of girls of color. Publication is planned for fall 2022. Author agent: Johanna Castillo at Writers House. Illustrator agent: Victoria Sanders at Victoria Sanders & Associates.

Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has acquired, in an exclusive submission, A Monster Is Eating This Book by Karen Kilpatrick, illustrated by Germán Blanco, as well as the third picture book in their When Pencil Met Eraser series. In the first book, the words and pages are slowly getting eaten by the monster inside of it. Why is he eating all the words out of the book? Why is his shadow so scary? Publication of both titles is set for 2022. Illustrator agent: Deborah Warren at East West Literary.

Wiley Blevins at Reycraft has acquired The Legend of the Spirit Serpent by Adaiah Sanford, winner of the First Annual Caribbean Writer’s Contest, illustrated by Afro-Caribbean artist Ken Daley. This retelling of a traditional Kalinago tale has a twist that challenges gender inequality. Publication is set for winter 2022. Author agent: Anette Thomas-Sanford. Illustrator agent: Christy Ewers at the CAT Agency.

March 18

Brian Geffen at Henry Holt has bought, at auction, Doña Quixote: Knight of the Nagual and a sequel by Rex Ogle writing as Rey Terciero, illustrated by Monica M. Magaña. This middle grade graphic novel is a gender-flipped reimagining of Don Quixote that follows Lucia Castillo’s obsession with becoming a modern-day knight. After finding a family heirloom that lets her see the supernatural world of Mexican lore, Lucia’s parents think she’s imagining things just like her “Abuelo Loco” had years before, but she’s determined to prove them wrong and thwart the villainous Mayor’s dangerous plans for the town. Publication is set for spring 2023 and 2024. Author agent: Simon Lipskar at Writers House.

March 23

Elise Howard at Algonquin has acquired world rights to Mermaid and Pirate by Tracey Baptiste (The Jumbies), illustrated by Leisl Adams. This picture book features a Black mermaid and a salty pirate who form a friendship after helping each other during a storm. Publication is slated for spring 2023. Author agent: Marie Lamba at the Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.

Amy Novesky at Cameron Kids has acquired world rights to Edna: The Flavorful Life of Southern Chef Edna Lewis by Melvina Noel, illustrated by Caldecott, Siebert, and Coretta Scott King Honor artist Cozbi Cabrera, a picture book about a culinary star and early proponent of farm-to-table food. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022. Illustrator agent: Victoria Sanders at Victoria Sanders & Associates.

Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has acquired Yoga Adventure! by debut author Jamaica Stevens, the founder of JAMaROO Kids, and illustrated by Rocío Alejandro (Mindful Tots). This singalong picture book takes readers around the world with a sequence of yoga poses inspired by animals on all seven continents. Publication is slated for fall 2021.

March 25

Margaret Quinlin at Peachtree has acquired world rights for Wombat Said Come In by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist Brian Lies. Inspired by the 2019 Australian bushfire tragedy as well as Deedy’s own experience as a refugee, the picture book follows a kindhearted wombat who sacrifices personal space and comfort to shelter a series of animals escaping a wildfire. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022. Author agent: Brenda Bowen at the Book Group.

March 30

Rosemary Brosnan at Quill Tree has bought two untitled middle grade novels by Pura Belpré Award winner for middle grade fiction Ernesto Cisneros (Efrén Divided), with publication for the first title scheduled for fall 2024. Author agent: Deborah Warren at East/West Literary.

Kate Harrison at Dial has bought, at auction, Cabaret Macabre, the graphic novel debut by author-illustrator Mercedes Acosta. Set in a New Orleans rich with magical realism and characters inspired by legends around the world, this supernatural family drama features 13-year-old Kara, who discovers that a troupe of performers aren’t what they seem—and neither is she. Publication is set for 2023. Author agent: Nicole Geiger at Full Circle Literary.

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Cecilia Cackley is a Mexican-American playwright and puppeteer based in Washington, DC. A longtime bookseller, she is currently the Children’s/YA buyer and event coordinator for East City Bookshop on Capitol Hill. Find out more about her art at www.ceciliacackley.com or follow her on Twitter @citymousedc

Apr 19 2021

Spotlight on Latinx Illustrators: Magdalena Mora, Gaby D’Alessandro, and Fátima Anaya

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By Cecilia Cackley

This is the seventh in a series of posts spotlighting Latinx illustrators of picture books. Some of these artists have been creating children’s books for many years, while others will have their first book out soon. They come from many different cultural backgrounds, but all are passionate about connecting with readers through art and story. Please look for their books at bookstores and libraries!

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Magdalena Mora

Magdalena Mora is a Minneapolis-based illustrator. Her debut picture book Equality’s Call: The Story of Voting Rights in America (Beach Lane Books), written by Deborah Diesen, was released in February 2020. Her upcoming picture book, I Wish You Knew (Roaring Brook Press), written by Jackie Azúa Kramer, will be out in May 2021. 

Magdalena grew up in Chicago and graduated from Macalester College with a degree in English. She is a 2019-2020 Loft Literary Center Windows and Mirrors Fellow. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter. 

Q: What or who inspired you to become an artist? 

A: I grew up in a family of would-be artists. Though no one in my immediate family made art themselves, they all participated in the arts in some form. My dad, with his love of books, music, and crude cartoon drawings on napkins. My mom had an eye for interior design and filled our home with the most beautiful colors and textiles and my grandparents were vivid storytellers. All together, these gave me a deep appreciation and understanding of the value of art. 

As far as specific artists, I loved the books of Shel Silverstein and Bill Waterson (Calvin and Hobbes) and the artwork of Carmen Lomas Garza, whose work resonated with me as a young Latina growing up in Texas. 

When I was a teenager, my family also lived a few blocks away from the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, and I would go there a few times a month or whenever there was a new exhibition. Those museum trips were incredibly formative.

Q. Tell us something about your favorite artistic medium–why you like it, when you first learned it, etc. 

A. I like to dabble in a bit of everything: watercolor, gouache, ink, pastels, charcoal, digital. I didn’t go to art school and so I feel like I’m constantly trying to make up for it by experimenting with every medium possible.

My favored medium can change according to the project I’m working on, and I often use several mediums in an illustration. But overall I still love pencil. It’s how I begin every illustration and the simplicity of it allows me to best capture an idea. As much as I admire the looseness and spontaneity of watercolors and inks, I’m still drawn to the control that you get with a pencil. It’s also useful that I can erase it when I make mistakes – which is often!

Q: Please finish this sentence: “Picture books are important because…”

A: They can help kids imagine different worlds and possibilities. And we’ll need an abundance of imagination and creativity in the future.

Books illustrated by Magdalena Mora. Click on the book covers for more information.

We are an affiliate with Indiebound and Bookshop. If If you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission.

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Gaby D’Alessandro

Gaby D’Alessandro is a Dominican illustrator based in Brooklyn. Her clients include The New York Times, The Library of Congress, and New York City’s MTA. Gaby’s work has been recognized by The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and American Illustration. She illustrated the upcoming books The Cot in The Living Room and Stolen Science. 

Q: What or who inspired you to become an artist? 

A: I’m very introspective and I’ve always enjoyed telling stories as a way to express myself and connect with others. When I was in high school, I did it through theatre, and a few years before going to college I discovered I also had an affinity for drawing and I learned that I could communicate via illustration.

Q: Tell us something about your favorite artistic medium–why you like it, when you first learned it, etc. 

A: Lately, my favorite medium has been my iPad. I’ve had it for two years and it has changed the way I work, freeing me from my desk and allowing me to take my studio anywhere. This has made my job feel much more playful and enjoyable. 

Q: Please finish this sentence: “Picture books are important because…”

A: They expand our imaginations, invite us to view the world from other perspectives, and can be a source of endless knowledge and entertainment.

Books illustrated by Gaby D’Alessandro. Click on the book covers for more information.

We are an affiliate with Indiebound and Bookshop. If If you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission.

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Fátima Anaya

Fátima Anaya is a graphic designer and children illustrator based in El Salvador. She loves working on projects about diversity, family, love, and friendship. The Bright Agency has represented her since 2016, working on various books, magazines, and projects for kids.

Q:  What or who inspired you to become an artist?

A: When I was a child, my brother and I used to play with two pumpkin plushies, and we eventually started to draw “comics” based on them. Playing with my younger brother inspired me to become an illustrator to tell other people’s stories and make kids happy as I was when I used to be a little girl.

Q:  Tell us something about your favorite artistic medium–why you like it, when you first learned it, etc. 

A: I used to love colored pencils until I got my first digital tablet. I guess I love digital techniques because they are a little bit cheaper than buying papers, pencils, and all the traditional tools. Here in El Salvador is very limited in that way as well.

Q: Please finish this sentence: “Picture books are important because…”

A: Picture books are important because it makes us live different adventures every day.

Books by Fátima Anaya. Click on the book covers for more information.

We are an affiliate with Indiebound and Bookshop. If If you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a small commission.

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

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cecilia-02-original

Cecilia Cackley is a Mexican-American playwright and puppeteer based in Washington, DC. A longtime bookseller, she is currently the Children’s/YA buyer and event coordinator for East City Bookshop on Capitol Hill. Find out more about her art at www.ceciliacackley.com or follow her on Twitter @citymousedc

Apr 16 2021

Latinx Book Deals October-December 2020

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Compiled by Cecilia Cackley

This is an occasional series keeping track of the book deals announced by Latinx writers and illustrators. The purpose of this series is to celebrate book deals by authors and illustrators in our community and to advocate for more of them. If you are an agent and you have a Latinx client who just announced a deal, you can let me know on Twitter, @citymousedc. If you are a Latinx author or illustrator writing for children or young adults, and you just got a book deal, send me a message and we will celebrate with you! And if I left anyone out here, please let me know! Here’s to many more wonderful books in the years to come.

October 1

None.

October 6

Olivia Valcarce at Scholastic has bought world rights to Yamile Saied Méndez‘s Horse Country, a middle-grade series about 11-year-old Carolina Aguasvivas, who has a gift with horses and—with the help of an unexpected friend—starts a new program at Paradise Ranch. Unbridled Dreams sponsors underprivileged kids to provide them with access to the healing power of horses; each book will feature new friends and new challenges. The first of four books is scheduled for 2022; Linda Camacho at Gallt & Zacker Literary did the deal.

October 8

None.

October 15

Ben Rosenthal at HarperCollins/Tegen has acquired, in an exclusive submission, The Mythics, a middle grade series by Lauren Magaziner, illustrated by Mirelle Ortega. In a universe where everyone bonds with an animal familiar at 10 years old, five very different girls who are not immediately paired discover that their familiars are mythical beasts they must find by working together. Publication is set for fall 2022. Brianne Johnson at Writers House brokered the five-book, six-figure deal, and James Burns at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.

Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Paulsen has acquired, in a preempt, ¡Guerrera Warrior! by Carmen Tafolla, former State Poet Laureate of Texas. The novel-in-verse details the life and times of a courageous 12-year-old Latina who decides it will be she who defines her name, her power, her history, and her right to choose what she celebrates in life. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary negotiated the deal for world rights.

Lisa Rosinsky at Barefoot Books has bought world rights to Dumpling Day by Meera Sriram (A Gift for Amma), illustrated by Inés de Antuñano. In this multicultural counting book, 10 contemporary families cook different types of dumplings for a neighborhood potluck featuring food from each of their cultures. Publication is planned for fall 2021; Tracy Marchini at BookEnds Literary represented the author, and Alison Berson at Illo Agency represented the illustrator.

October 20

None.

October 22

Samantha Swenson at Tundra has acquired world rights to Lourdes Heuer‘s debut picture book On This Airplane, to be illustrated by Pura Belpré winner Sara Palacios. The book follows a child’s first experience on an airplane as they observe the passengers around them, noticing the ways the travelers are both different from them and the same. Publication is slated for summer 2022; Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Minju Chang and Kendra Marcus at BookStop Literary represented the illustrator.

Jordan Nielsen at POW! Kids has bought world rights to Rat Fair, a debut picture book by Leah Rose Kessler, illustrated by Cleonique Hilsaca. The nearly wordless picture book features a group of rats who mistake a sign for an “Art Fair” for that of a “Rat Fair.” After constructing their own fair, they struggle to keep their festivities safe from humans who would sweep it away, but a compassionate child who has been watching them has a plan. Publication is set for summer 2021.

October 27

Joanna Cárdenas at Kokila has bought, at auction, in a two-book, six-figure deal, Los Monstruos, the next middle grade novel by Diana Lopez (Confetti Girl). When Felice learns that she’s the daughter of La Llorona, she vows to help her mother make peace with events that have turned her into the most famous monstruo of U.S.-Mexico border lore. Along the way, Felice meets the children of other monstruos, and together, they reverse the curses that have plagued the town of Tres Leches. Publication is planned for fall 2022; Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary handled the deal for world rights.

October 29

Luana Kay Horry at HarperCollins has bought North American rights to Balloons for Papa by Elizabeth Gilbert Bedia, illustrated by Erika Meza. This picture book follows a boy who gives his father, who has depression, a bundle of brightly colored balloons. Publication is scheduled for winter 2021. Marlene Sturm at Sturm Rights did the deal on behalf of Upside Down Books/Trigger Publishing in the U.K.

Mary Lee Donovan at Candlewick has acquired world rights to One Tiny Treefrog and two companion nonfiction picture book titles by Mackenzie Joy and Tony Piedra. Set in the Costa Rican rainforest, One Tiny Treefrog traces the journey of a school of tadpoles from 10 eggs, to tadpoles, to one sole frog survivor. Publication is slated for spring 2022, with the companion titles following in 2023 and 2024. Kevin Lewis at Erin Murphy Literary represented the team.

November 3

Robin Herrera, formerly at Oni Press, bought world rights to Eat Your Heart Out, written by Terry Blas and Matthew Newton, illustrated by Lydia Anslow. A young Latina from Idaho graduates from high school and is pressured by her mother to live the life she’s planned out for her. Impulsively, she runs away and finds herself in New York, where she shares adventures with new friends and learns to live a life she loves. Shawna Gore will edit; publication is slated for fall 2022. Kate McKean at Morhaim Literary represented Blas, and Newton and Anslow represented themselves.

November 5

Samantha Swenson at Tundra has acquired, in a preempt, in a two-book deal, world rights to Esme’s Birthday Conga Line by Lourdes Heuer, illustrated by Marissa Valdez. This early chapter book stars Esme, a plucky girl who lives in the uppermost floor of (what she thinks is) the topmost best building in her neighborhood, and who is sure she can plan her own birthday party when her Mimi and Pipo forget. Publication is planned for spring 2022 and spring 2023; Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary represented the creators.

November 10

Holly West at Feiwel and Friends has bought, in an exclusive submission, an untitled YA fantasy duology pitched as Aztec Percy Jackson meets the Hunger Games, where a transgender demigod must enter the Firebearer Trials to save his friends from sacrifice, plus a third YA novel, pitched as “gay Titanic in space,” by Aiden Thomas (Cemetery Boys). Publication is planned for fall 2022, fall 2023, and fall 2024; Jennifer March Soloway at Andrea Brown Literary did the mid-six-figure deal for world rights.

Erin Clarke at Knopf has bought world rights to Window Fishing, a picture book by recording artist DK Dyson, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Rudy Gutierrez (Double Bass Blues). It tells the story of an overworked artist who learns to not be so cranky when the kid who lives upstairs sends down a paperclip hook attached to a fishing line. Publication is set for 2022; Edward Necarsulmer IV at Dunow, Carlson & Lerner represented the author and the illustrator.

November 12

Michelle Frey at Knopf has acquired, in a preempt, in a two-book deal, Does My Body Offend You?, plus a second novel, written by CNN special projects producer Mayra Cuevas and founding co-chair of El Refugio Marie Marquardt. This coming-of-age YA, told in dual points of view, follows a Puerto Rican teen who seeks justice after running afoul of her school’s sexist dress code—and the white girl who wants to help her lead “The Bra-bellion” but must first learn how to become an effective ally. Publication is set for spring 2022; Saritza Hernandez at Andrea Brown Literary represented Cuevas, and Erin Harris at Folio Literary Management represented Marquardt in the deal for world rights.

Nancy Paulsen at Penguin/Paulsen has acquired Pura Belpré Award-winning author Ruth Behar‘s The Story I Sing to You, in which daughters from several generations of a family seek freedom during revolutionary times. Publication is scheduled for fall 2022; Alyssa Eisner Henkin at Trident Media Group did the two-book deal for North American rights.

November 17

None.

November 19

Donna Bray at HarperCollins/Balzer + Bray and Andrew Eliopulos at HarperCollins/Quill Tree have signed Here’s to Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera. In this sequel to What If It’s Us, Arthur and Ben are reunited by chance over a summer in New York, and find themselves once again asking “What if…?” Publication is scheduled for fall 2021; Holly Root at Root Literary and Jodi Reamer at Writers House brokered the deal for world English rights.

November 24

Kaylan Adair at Candlewick has bought, at auction, world rights to the picture book What Are Words, Really? written by photographer and author Alexi Lubomirski, illustrated by Pura Belpré Illustration Honor-winning artist Carlos Aponte (Across the Bay). Lubomirski, whose engagement photographs of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made headlines worldwide, offers young readers rhyming advice on the ways that words can affect us and how to change your words for the better. Publication is slated for fall 2022; Anne Bohner at Pen & Ink Literary represented the author, and John Rudolph at Dystel, Goderich & Bourret represented the illustrator.

December 1

Kat Brzozowski at Feiwel and Friends has acquired world rights to Andrea Mosqueda‘s debut novel Just Your Local Bisexual Disaster. The YA novel follows self-described romantic disaster Maggie Gonzalez, a bisexual Chicana living in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, as she tries to figure out whom to ask to be her escort at her little sister’s upcoming quinceañera: her charming ex-boyfriend twice over; her first crush and gorgeous best friend; or the mysterious new girl with the romantic baggage? Publication is for 2022; Lauren MacLeod at the Strothman Agency brokered the deal.

Lily Kessinger at HMH/Etch has acquired world rights to YA graphic novel Pillow Talk by Stephanie Cooke, illustrated by Mel Valentine Vargas, about Grace Mendes aka Cinderhella, a fierce competitor in the Pillow Fight Federation (PFF), an underground pillow fight league that’s part roller derby, part professional wrestling. Publication is scheduled for 2023; Maria Vicente at P.S. Literary represented the author, and the artist was unagented.

Kathy Landwehr at Peachtree has bought world rights to Octopus by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Tom Gonzalez (their second collaboration following Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon). The nonfiction picture book shares several kinds of octopuses and their fascinating features, such as lights that attract prey, legs that walk on land, and the ability to change color (and shape shift) to match their surroundings. Publication is planned for spring 2023; Karen Grencik at Red Fox Literary represented the author, and Deborah Warren at East West represented the illustrator.

December 3

Kate O’Sullivan at HMH has acquired world rights to the picture book A Perfect Fit by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree and Sibert Medalist Juana Martinez-Neal, about how Lena “Lane” Bryant came to America with nothing but a measuring tape and a dream, and changed the way women bought clothes for generations. Publication is scheduled for spring 2022; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Stefanie Sanchez Von Borstel at Full Circle Literary represented the illustrator.

December 8

Christian Trimmer at Holt has bought world rights to All Your Shapes by debut picture book author Seth Nichols, with art by Andrés Landazábal. The story is a love letter from father to daughter in celebration of the girl’s accomplishments, as represented by various yoga poses. Publication is slated for spring 2022; the author represented himself, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.

December 10

Sarah Alpert at Algonquin has bought world rights to Our Shadows Have Claws, a YA horror anthology co-edited by Amparo Ortiz and Yamile Saied Méndez. The short stories feature mythical monsters and magical baddies from Latinx folklore, from el Chupacabra to La Llorona, the vampire and the werewolf, the pombero and Nahuelito, and beyond. The Latinx contributors include Mendez, Ortiz, Chantel Acevedo, Courtney Alameda, David Bowles, Ann Dávila Cardinal, Mia García, Gabriela Martins, Racquel Marie, Tehlor Kay Mejía, Maika Moulite, Maritza Moulite, Claribel Ortega, Lilliam Rivera, Jenny Torres Sánchez, and Alexandra Villasante. Publication is set for 2023; Linda Camacho at Gallt and Zacker Literary did the deal.

Nikki Garcia at Little, Brown has bought Lola Out Loud by Jennifer Torres, a picture book about stepping up, speaking out, and building a community, based on the childhood of labor leader Dolores Huerta, illustrated by Sara Palacios. Publication is scheduled for summer 2022; Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary represented the author, and Kendra Marcus and Minju Chang at Bookstop Literary represented the artist.

December 17

Lily Kessinger at HMH/Etch has bought world rights to debut graphic novel Band Nerd by Sarah Clawson Willis, illustrated by Ana Hinojosa. Seventh-grader Lucy Carver is determined to make first chair flute at Windley School of the Arts, but two things stand in her way: snobby Tolli Claybourne and Lucy’s loving but dysfunctional parents. Publication is set for 2023; Sara Crowe at Pippin Properties represented the author, and Maria Vicente at P.S. Literary represented the artist.

Kaylan Adair at Candlewick has bought world rights to You. Me. We., written by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Andres Landazabal. Drawing from Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace and Maria Montessori’s method of encouraging children to embrace their inner guides, the book explores discovering, maintaining, and sharing peace—in the classroom and in our communities. Publication is set for spring 2023; Alexandra Penfold at Upstart Crow represented both authors, and Anne Moore Armstrong at the Bright Agency represented the illustrator.

December 22

Liz Bicknell at Candlewick Press has acquired world rights to Cool Green, a picture book by Pura Belpré Award Honoree Lulu Delacre. In the book, created to honor the expertise of immigrant gardeners and landscapers who often work undocumented, a Latino landscaper shares his knowledge of trees and nature with his granddaughter, celebrating the interconnectedness of trees and forests. Publication is planned for spring 2023, and the author-illustrator represented herself in the deal.

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Cecilia Cackley is a Mexican-American playwright and puppeteer based in Washington, DC. A longtime bookseller, she is currently the Children’s/YA buyer and event coordinator for East City Bookshop on Capitol Hill. Find out more about her art at www.ceciliacackley.com or follow her on Twitter @citymousedc