Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor - American Library Association (ALA)

Mismatched and fabulous Marisol McDonald celebrates her Peruvian and Scottish heritage.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Marisol McDonald has flaming red hair and nut-brown skin. Polka dots and stripes are her favorite combination. She prefers peanut butter and jelly burritos in her lunch box. To Marisol, these seemingly mismatched things make perfect sense together.

Other people wrinkle their nose in confusion at Marisol-can't she just choose one or the other? Try as she might, in a world where everyone tries to put this biracial, Peruvian-Scottish-American girl into a box, Marisol McDonald doesn't match. And that's just fine with her.

A mestiza Peruvian American of European, Jewish, and Amerindian heritage, renowned author Monica Brown wrote this lively story to bring her own experience of being mismatched to life. Her buoyant prose is perfectly matched by Sara Palacios' mixed media illustrations.

Though she was born before women on her island were allowed to vote, Felisa Rincón de Gautier did not let that stop her from becoming the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1946. Easily spotted on the streets of San Juan by her flair and the jasmine flowers braided into her hair, she radiated style and grace. Doña Fela, as she affectionately came to be called, loved her city.

Doña Fela was always ready to listen to problems and find solutions. With determination and resilience, she brought lasting change to the island. Doña Fela's inspiring story as a visionary leader is brought to life on the page through stunning paintings that evoke the vibrant colors and culture of Puerto Rico.

Dolores Huerta always knew that helping others in her community was important. So when she became a teacher and saw how hard it was for her students from farm families to find enough to eat, she knew there was more she could do. Dolores became a labor rights activist, fighting for better conditions for farm workers. She started unions so that workers would be treated more fairly. And she was also a leader of the women's rights movement. Though she faced discrimination for her gender and her ethnicity, she persisted and helped make life better for farm workers, Latinos, and women across the country.

In this chapter book biography by award-winning author Monica Brown, readers learn about the amazing life of Dolores Huerta--and how she persisted.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Dolores Huerta's footsteps and make a difference! A perfect choice for kids who love learning and teachers who want to bring inspiring women into their curriculum.

And don't miss out on the rest of the books in the She Persisted series, featuring so many more women who persisted, including Sonia Sotomayor, Pura Belpré, Clara Lemlich, and more!

Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor - American Library Association (ALA)

A fascinating bilingual picture book biography of Peruvian archaeologist and national icon Julio C. Tello, who unearthed Peru's ancient cultures and fostered pride in the country's Indigenous history.

Growing up in the late 1800s, Julio Tello, an Indigenous boy, spent time exploring the caves and burial grounds in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. Nothing scared Julio, not even the ancient human skulls he found. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means brave in Quechua, the language of the Native people of Peru.

At the age of twelve, Julio moved to Lima to continue his education. While in medical school, he discovered an article about the skulls he had found. The skulls had long ago been sent to Lima to be studied by scientists. The article renewed Julio's interest in his ancestry, and he decided to devote his medical skills to the study of Peru's Indigenous history.

Over his lifetime, Julio Tello made many revolutionary discoveries at archaeological sites around Peru, and he worked to preserve the historical treasures he excavated. He showed that Peru's Indigenous cultures had been established thousands of years ago, disproving the popular belief that Peruvian culture had been introduced more recently from other countries. He fostered pride in his country's Indigenous ancestry, making him a hero to all Peruvians. Because of the brave man once known as Sharuko, people around the world today know of Peru's long history and its living cultural legacy.

In the follow-up to the Pura Belpré Award Honor-winning Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match/Marisol McDonald No Combina, everyone's favorite mismatched heroine turns eight and throws a fabulously mismatched party.

En esta continuación del ganador del Honor del Premio Pura Belpré Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match/Marisol McDonald No Combina, la heroína favorita de todos cumple ocho años y celebra con una fiesta en su estilo único e fabuloso de cosas que no combinan.

Marisol is turning eight, and it's time to plan a birthday party that will be fabulous, marvelous, and divine. She also hopes that Abuelita, who lives far away in Peru, will be able to come to the celebration.

At the party store, Marisol can't decide what kind of party to have. There are so many choices, but everything in the store matches! Nothing seems right for soccer, pirate, princess, unicorn-loving Marisol. Finally she comes up with just the right idea, and when her friends arrive for her Clash Bash birthday, a big surprise awaits. But in a heartwarming turn of events, Marisol gets the biggest surprise of all--a visit from Abuelita via computer.

In this delightful story told in English and Spanish, author Monica Brown and illustrator Sara Palacios once again bring the irrepressible Marisol McDonald to life. With her bright red hair, golden brown skin, mismatched outfits, and endearing individuality, this free-spirited Peruvian-Scottish-American girl is headed straight into the hearts of young readers everywhere.

Marisol va a cumplir ocho años y es tiempo de organizar una fiesta que va ser fabulosa, maravillosa y divina. También espera que Abuelita, que vive lejos en Peru, vaya poder venir a la celebración.

En la tienda de fiestas, Marisol no puede decidir que tipo de fiesta tener. Hay tantas opciones, pero todo en la tienda combina! Nada parece correcto para Marisol, la aficionada de futból, piratas, princesas e unicornios. Al fin, se le ocurre justo la idea correcta y cuando sus amigos llegan a su fiesta sin igual, una gran sorpresa les espera. Pero en un desarrollo conmovedor, Marisol recibe la sorpresa más grande de todos--una visita de su abuelita a través de la computadora.

En esta historia encantadora contada en inglés y español, autora Monica Brown e ilustradora Sara Palacios le dan vida a la incontenible Marisol McDonald una vez más. Con su brillante pelo rojo, piel cafe dorado, ropa que no combina y su individualismo simpático, esta niña Pueruanoescocésamericana de espíritu libre va dirigida derecho a los corazones de los lectores jovenes de todas partes.

Lola is fierce on the field, but when a soccer game during recess gets too competitive, she accidentally hurts her classmate Juan Gomez. Now everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine! Lola feels terrible, but with the help of her family, her super best friend, Josh Blot, and a little pencil power, she just might be able to turn it all around.

In this first book in a series, young readers will be inspired by Lola's big heart and creative spirit as she learns to navigate the second grade in true Lola style!

Inspired by the heroic efforts of real-life librarian Luis Soriano, award-winning picture book creators Monica Brown and John Parra introduce readers to the mobile library that journeys over mountains and through valleys to bring literacy and culture to rural Colombia, and to the children who wait for the BiblioBurro.

A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book was donated to Luis Soriano's BiblioBurro program.

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos, written by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra, is based on the life of one of the world's most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life.

The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form.

Brown's story recounts Frida's beloved pets--two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn--and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal.

Get ready for some mermaid magic!

Mermaid princess Mari A. Fisch is on a top secret, superspecial mission: Go on land, become human, and figure out why humans do the weird things they do. Particularly, why do people pollute? But when Mari has traded in her tail for toes, she finds the human world totally confusing! Will Mari be able to complete her mission, save the world undersea, and stay true to herself?

It's an all-new chapter book series from the award-winning children's book author Monica Brown. With black-and-white illustrations on every page, milestone markers throughout, and craft-making activities at the end of each book, Fintastical Tales is the perfect series for any emergent or reluctant reader!

It's a double dare!

Mari A. Fisch, mermaid princess and 256th daughter of King Triton, the ruler of the seas, is sent on land to learn why humans behave the weird ways that they do. When her best friend, Stevie, dares Mari to ride a super-scary roller coaster, Mari learns that sometimes you have to be brave to have fun. But when Stevie's dares start going too far, Mari must choose between betraying what she believes in or letting down her only friend.

It's the second title in an all-new chapter book series from award-winning children's book author Monica Brown. With black-and-white illustrations on every page, milestone markers throughout, and craft-making activities at the end of each book, Fintastical Tales is the perfect series for any emergent or reluctant reader!

The cat's out of the bag!

Mari A. Fisch, mermaid-princess-turned-human-spy, has been sent on land on a mission to protect all Earth's critters. From ducks to cats and kittens, Mari can't help but come to the rescue when there's an animal in trouble! But after a smelly encounter in the woods, Mari learns a lesson in how to help when it seems like there's nothing you can do.

It's the third title in an all-new chapter book series from award-winning children's book author Monica Brown. With black-and-white illustrations on every page, milestone markers throughout, and craft-making activities at the end of each book, Fintastical Tales is the perfect series for any emergent or reluctant reader!

*A Pura Belpré Honor Book!*

In this vibrant bilingual picture book biography of musician Tito Puente by award-winning author-illustrator team Monica Brown and Rafael López, readers will dance along to the beat of the mambo king's life.

Tito Puente loved banging pots and pans as a child, but what he really dreamed of was having his own band one day. From Spanish Harlem to the Grammy Awards--and all the beats in between--this is the true life story of a boy whose passion for music turned him into the King of Mambo.

Brown and López bring the remarkable story of this talented legend to life in this captivating and informative picture book.

This acclaimed bilingual children's book, Spanish/English, is a fun way to introduce simple words and phrases in both languages and is sure to be a welcome resource at home and in schools and libraries.

Monica Brown and Rudy Gutierrez team up to deliver what Kirkus called, in a starred review, an inspiring blend of art and story, about the most famous soccer star in the world, Pelé.

This bilingual picture book will inspire, teach, and amaze readers as they learn about the man who revolutionized the sport of soccer.

Do you know how a poor boy from Brazil who loved fútbol more than anything else became the biggest soccer star the world has ever known? This is the true story of Pelé, King of Soccer, the first man in the history of the sport to score a thousand goals and become a living legend.

Rudy Gutierrez's dynamic illustrations make award-winning author Monica Brown's story of this remarkable sports hero come alive!

Though she was born before women on her island were allowed to vote, Felisa Rincón de Gautier did not let that stop her from becoming the first female mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1946. Easily spotted on the streets of San Juan by her flair and the jasmine flowers braided into her hair, she radiated style and grace. Doña Fela, as she affectionately came to be called, loved her city.

Doña Fela was always ready to listen to problems and find solutions. With determination and resilience, she brought lasting change to the island. Doña Fela's inspiring story as a visionary leader is brought to life on the page through stunning paintings that evoke the vibrant colors and culture of Puerto Rico.

Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor, 2018
ALA Notable Children's Book, 2018
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, 2018
New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book, 2017
Barnes & Noble Best Book, 2017
Smithsonian Top Ten Best Children's Book, 2017

The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form.

Monica Brown's story recounts pivotal moments in Frida's life and the beloved pets who comforted her along the way--two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn--and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal. John Parra's bold-colored art, reminiscent of Frida's palette, make this biography a warm and wonder-filled offering for Frida Kahlo fans old and new.

A powerful and accesible bilingual picture book that highlights the power and impact of ordinary but dedicated citizens.*

Every day, thousands of farmworkers harvested the food that ended up on kitchen tables all over the country. But at the end of the day, when the workers sat down to eat, there were only beans on their own tables. Then Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez teamed up. Together they motivated the workers to fight for their rights and, in the process, changed history.

Award-winning author Monica Brown and acclaimed illustrator Joe Cepeda join together to create this stunning tribute to two of the most influential people of the twentieth century.

I love that this book introduces Dolores and Cesar as children and connects their early life experiences to the decisions they made as they grew up, commented reviewer Maria Ramos-Chertok in the blog Latinxs in Kid Lit. Given that I longed for bilingual children's books when my two sons were growing up, I only wish I had known about this book earlier. She added that Side by Side offers opportunities to open discussions about work and career, feminism, and friendship, as well as a fresh perspective on history.

Todos los días, miles de campesinos cosechaban los alimentos que se servían en los hogares de todo el país. Pero al terminar la jornada, cuando los campesinos se sentaban a comer, lo único que había en sus propias mesas era frijoles. Entonces, Dolores Huerta y César Chávez se unieron para motivar a los trabajadores a luchar por sus derechos y en el proceso, cambiaron el curso de la historia.

La premiada autora Monica Brown y el aclamado ilustrador Joe Cepeda se unen para crear éste impresionante tributo a dos de las personas más influentes del siglo veinte.

*Publishers Weekly

About the author:

Monica Brown's Peruvian American heritage has inspired in her a desire to share Latino stories with children. Her books have garnered starred reviews, the Américas Award, two Pura Belpré Author Honors, and the prestigious Rockefeller Fellowship on Chicano Cultural Literacy. Monica is currently Professor of English at Northern Arizona University, specializing in U.S. Latino and Multicultural Literature. Visit her at monicabrown.net.