New Releases by Monica Brown

Meet renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and all of her animal friends in this board book inspired by the Pura Belpré Honor-winning Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos. There’s no one Frida Kahlo loves more than her animal friends—her beloved animalitos. In this board book, toddlers will learn to identify the different animals Frida kept as pets throughout her life: from a dog and a cat to a parrot and a turkey. Each animal also represents Frida’s many characteristics, from her strength and independent to her profound intelligence, with each page reading as an affirmation for toddlers to repeat as they grow—just as we see Frida grow throughout the story. Award-winning creators Monica Brown and John Parra have made a board book to honor the legacy of Frida Kahlo and inspire confidence and imagination in a new generation of creatives. Praise for Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos: Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor 2018 ALA Notable Children's Book 2018 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2017 Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2017 Smithsonian Top Ten Best Children's Book of 2017 A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2018

Meet renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and all of her animal friends in this bilingual board book inspired by the Pura Belpré Honor-winning Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos. Conoce a la renombrada artista mexicana Frida Kahlo y sus animalitos en este libro de cartón bilingüe, inspirado por Frida Kahlo y sus animalitos, el ganador de un Honor Pura Belpré. There’s no one Frida Kahlo loves more than her animal friends—her beloved animalitos. In this bilingual board book, toddlers will learn to identify the different animals Frida kept as pets throughout her life in both English and Spanish. Each animal also represents Frida’s many characteristics, from her strength and independence to her profound intelligence, with each page reading as an affirmation for toddlers to repeat as they grow—just as we see Frida grow throughout the story. Award-winning creators Monica Brown and John Parra have made an English and Spanish dual-language board book to honor the legacy of Frida Kahlo and inspire confidence and imagination in a new generation of creatives. No hay nadie a quien Frida Kahlo quiera más que sus animalitos. En este libro de cartón bilingüe, los niños pequeños aprenderán a identificar las diferentes mascotas que Frida mantuvo a lo largo de su vida, tanto en inglés como en español. Cada animal también representa las muchas características de Frida, desde su fuerza y independencia hasta su profunda inteligencia, con cada página leyendo como una afirmación que los niños pueden repitir a medida que crecen, tal como vemos a Frida a lo largo del cuento. Los galardonados creadores Monica Brown y John Parra han hecho un libro de cartón en inglés y español que honra el legado de Frida Kahlo y que inspira la confianza y la imaginación en una nueva generación de creativos. Praise for Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos: Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor 2018 ALA Notable Children''s Book 2018 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children''s Book of 2017 Barnes & Noble Best Book of 2017 Smithsonian Top Ten Best Children''s Book of 2017 A Bank Street Best Children''s Book of the Year 2018

In this funny, kid-favorite chapter book series, Lola Levine loves to participate but when she realizes she might be overcommitted she learns the importance of time to rest. "If you've never had a best friend, Lola Levine will undoubtedly become your first. Her appeal is boundless."―Rita Williams-Garcia, Coretta Scott King Author Award winner for One Crazy Summer Lola is doing TOO much! She loves all her activities, especially soccer and volunteering at the Humane Society. And she's certain that she can handle it all. But how much is too much? When Lola gets sick and has to miss all of her favorite hobbies, she begins to see that balance and rest are just as important as her other activities. Lola is NOT a good patient, but ultimately learns that our bodies (and minds) sometimes need a break. In the eighth book in this 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! Perfect for! ★ Fans of Junie B. Jones ★ Reluctant readers ★ Soccer enthusiasts ★ Readers practicing mindfulness ★ Anyone who’s ever taken on too many tasks! Don’t miss all the Lola Levine adventures! Lola Levine Is Not Mean! (#1) Lola Levine Drama Queen (#2) Lola Levine and the Ballet Scheme (#3) Lola Levine meets Jelly and Bean (#4) Lola Levine and the Vacation Dream (#5) Lola Levine and the Halloween Scream (#6) Lola Levine and the Dinosaur Scene (#7) Lola Levine Runs Out of Steam (#8)

An illuminating picture book biography of renowned Mexican American folk musician Joan Baez, whose songs of justice, peace, and activism have inspired listeners to create positive change across the world, from Christopher Award–winning author Monica Brown and Caldecott Honoree Molly Mendoza. From a young age, Joan Baez knew she wanted to make the world a better place. The daughter of immigrants from Mexico and Scotland, she learned values of compassion and advocacy from her parents. As Joan learned about people in need around the world, she sang to make herself feel better—and her beautiful voice made others feel better, too. Joan sang songs about workers’ rights, civil rights, and the struggle for justice. She started in coffee shops and clubs, worked her way to singing at folk festivals and on New York stages, and eventually she sang next to Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington, alongside César Chávez, and for the President of the United States. Joan realized music could move people’s hearts, minds, and feet toward a path of justice and peace. And she used the gift of her beautiful voice to do just that.

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!

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds—including community activist Dolores Huerta! 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!

The inspiring story of Doña Fela, an enterprising woman who broke barriers and stopped at nothing to make the island of Puerto Rico a better home for all. 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." --

A celebration of one of the world’s most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life—now available in paperback! 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 new Spanish and English bilingual edition of the stunning picture book biography of Pablo Neruda, one of the world's most enduring and popular poets, from the acclaimed Monica Brown. Había una vez un niño llamado Neftalí, quien amaba las cosas salvajes locamente y las cosas tranquilas serenamente. Desde el momento en que aprendió a hablar, se rodeó de palabras. Neftalí descubrió la magia oculta entre las páginas de los libros. Cuando tenía dieciséis años, comenzó a publicar sus poemas bajo el nombre Pablo Neruda. Pablo escribió poemas sobre las cosas que amaba: obras creadas por sus amigos artistas, objetos hallados en los mercados y elementos de la naturaleza. Escribió sobre la gente de Chile y su lucha por salir adelante. Porque sobre todas las cosas y sobre todas las palabras, Pablo Neruda amaba a la gente. Once there was a little boy named Neftalí who loved wild things wildly and quiet things quietly. From the moment he could talk, he surrounded himself with words, seeking comfort and inspiration from the magic he discovered between the pages of books. When he was sixteen, he began publishing his writing as Pablo Neruda. Pablo wrote poems about the things he loved—things made by his friends in the café, things found at the marketplace, and things he saw in nature. He wrote about the people of Chile and their stories of struggle. Because above all things and above all words, Pablo Neruda loved people. With a new translation of Monica Brown's lyrical text and Julia Paschkis' gorgeous art, which celebrates multiple languages, this new edition will introduce the youngest of readers—of English, Spanish, and both—to the legacy of one of history's most iconic talents.

The Spanish-language edition of an informative, inspirational picture book biography about twins Juli n and Joaquin Castro, who rose from poverty to become leaders for positive change in America. The story of political powerhouse twins Juli n and Joaquin Castro began in the small room that they shared with their grandmother Victoriana in San Antonio, Texas. Victoriana crossed the border from Mexico into Texas as a six-year-old orphan, marking the start of the family''s American journey. Her daughter Rosie, Juli n and Joaquin''s mom, was an activist who helped the barrio through local government. The strong women in their family inspired the twins to get involved in politics. Juli n and Joaquin have been working at the local, state, and national level--as a former presidential candidate, mayor and member of President Obama''s Cabinet, and a U.S. Congressman, respectively--to make the country a better place for everyone. Acclaimed author Monica Brown and illustrator Mirelle Ortega depict the Castros'' political and personal accomplishments in this must-read picture book biography. Also available in an English edition: Small Room, Big Dreams.

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

The Spanish edition of Sarai Around the World! Los estudiantes estan cansados de comer espaguetis con albondigas los lunes en la cafeteria. La administracion de la escuela dice que pueden ayudar a crear un nuevo menu. Asi que todos preparan puestos con las especialidades de su familia para ver cuales recetas lograran formar parte del menu escolar.The students are sick and tired of Spaghetti-and-Meatball Mondays in the cafeteria. The administration says they can help create a new menu, so students throughout the school make booths with their family''s specialties for Around-the-World Day. It''s a head-to-head battle between Sarai''s Peruvian chicken and Valeria''s tamales. Who will win the big cook-off and get their grandparents'' recipes on the cafeteria menu?

From activist and viral video star Sarai Gonzalez! When Sarai outgrows her bike, she worries she'll never get to travel anywhere. But, when Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary hosts their first Around the World Fair, Sarai learns that with a little imagination, you can go anywhere you want!Inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez with the help of award-winning children's book author Monica Brown.

The third book in the Sarai Gonzalez illustrated chapter book series inspired by the life of eleven-year-old viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez. The Spanish edition of Sarai Saves the Music!They''re cutting funding at Sarai''s school and her band program is the first to go. That is totally not okay with Sarai. She decides to organize a benefit concert to raise money! When she and her bandmates promote the concert on their video channel, it catches the attention of Sarai''s favorite singer, Sparkles Sanchez! Can Sarai save the music?Estan recortando fondos en la escuela de Sarai y la banda de musica dejara de existir. Por supuesto, Sarai no esta de acuerdo con esto. Decide organizar un concierto para recaudar fondos y, para promoverlo, ella y sus companeros crean un video que ponen en Internet. ¡El video atrae la atencion de Sparkles Sanchez! ¿Podra Sarai salvar el programa de musica de la escuela?

The third book in the Sarai Gonzalez illustrated chapter book series inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez. They're cutting funding at Sarai's school and her band program is the first to go. That is totally not okay with Sarai. She decides to organize a benefit concert to raise money! When she and her bandmates promote the concert on their video channel, it catches the attention of Sarai's favorite singer, Sparkles Sanchez! Can Sarai save the music?

The second book in the Sarai Gonzalez illustrated chapter book series inspired by the life of 11-year-old viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez The Spanish edition of Sarai in the Spotlight!When Sarai''s best friend suddenly moves away, Sarai has to navigate school -- and the unfriendly girls in the cafeteria -- all by herself. Then, new girl Christina moves to town and the teacher volunteers Sarai to show her around. But Sarai thinks Christina is not at all like her--she never wants to play at recess, she''s always got her head in a notebook and she''s so shy! But when Christina writes Sarai a spoken-word poem for her to recite at the class talent show, Sarai learns that sometimes winning teams are made from unlikely pairs!La maestra de Saraí le pide que ayude a una niña nueva que acaba de llegar a la escuela. Saraí piensa que la niña nueva no se parece en nada a ella; está siempre estudiando y es muy tímida. ¿Cambiará de opinión cuando la niña escriba un poema para que recite en el espectáculo de la escuela?

The first book in a brand-new illustrated chapter book series inspired by the life of 11-year-old viral video star and social activist Sarai Gonzalez. The Spanish edition of Sarai and the Meaning of Awesome!Fourth grader Sarai Gonzalez can do anything. She can bake, dance, and run her own cupcake business. But when Sarai''s grandparents are forced to move, even Sarai''s not sure what to do. So she hatches a super-awesome plan with her younger sisters and cousin to buy back the house. Will Sarai find a way to save the day? Inspired by the life of viral video sensation and social activist Sarai Gonzalez with the help of award-winning children''s book author Monica Brown.Saraí es EXTRAORDINARIA. Esta chica de cuarto grado puede hornear, bailar y administrar su propio negocio. Pero cuando a sus abuelos los obligan a mudarse de casa, no sabe qué hacer. ¿Encontrará una manera de resolver el problema? Un libro inspirado en el famoso video de la activista social Saraí González. Escrito por Saraí González y Monica Brown.

When Sarai's best friend suddenly moves away, Sarai has to navigate school -- and the unfriendly girls in the cafeteria -- all by herself. When new girl Cristina moves to town, the teacher volunteers Sarai to show her around, but Sarai thinks Cristin

Fourth grader Saraí Gonzalez can do anything. She can bake, dance, and run her own cupcake business. But when Saraí''s grandparents are forced to move, even Saraí''s not sure what to do. So she hatches a super-awesome plan with her younger sisters and cousin to buy back the house. Will Saraí find a way to save the day?

Frida Kahlo war eine brillante Kunstlerin. IHre Selbstbildnisse gehoren zu den bedeutendsten Werken der Kunstgeschichte. AUf ihnen sieht man auch immer wieder Frida Kahlos Haustiere. SIe waren wie ihre Kinder. SIe waren ihre Freunde, ihre Inspiration. IN ihrem dramatischen, von Krankheit und korperlichen Leiden gepragten Leben waren Fridas Tiere ihre treuen Begleiter. Monica Brown erzahlt feinfuhlig und spannend vom Leben dieser auSSergewohnlichen Frau. DIe farbenprachtigen Bilder von John Parra, der jungst mit dem SCBWI Golden Kite Award ausgezeichnet wurde, fuhren uns die Welt von Frida Kahlo vor Augen. PArras Imagination und handwerkliche Meisterschaft machen die Illustration zu einem Genuss.

Lola Levine is ready to celebrate her favorite holiday in the sixth book in this charming chapter book series by acclaimed author Monica Brown. It's Halloween--Lola and Ben's favorite holiday. She loves pumpkins, scary costumes, monsters, and ghosts--and she likes to scare people, too. But when Lola plays a scary joke on her super best friends, Josh Blot and Bella Benitez, it doesn't go as planned. Can Lola learn from her mistake and still have a happy Halloween?

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!

The Levines are jetting off on a family vacation to Peru in the fifth book in this heartwarming chapter book series by acclaimed author Monica Brown. Lola is named after her tía Lola, who lives in Lima, Peru. Lola misses her aunt and dreams of visiting her. After Lola's dad has a successful art show, Lola's dream comes true. The Levines are going to Peru! Thousands of miles from home, Lola and Ben discover all the new adventures Lima has to offer. But will Lola and Ben manage to stay out of trouble? With Lola's and Ben's wit and talent for mischief, we can expect some international trouble in this adorable chapter book.

The Levines are finally getting a pet--a furry one that is. They are excited about adopting a kitty they name Jelly, but they don't get very far in the process when Ben starts sneezing. Oh no, he's allergic! Lola is devastated and sets out to find Jelly a good home. Luckily, Lola is rewarded with a very happy (and still furry) ending! With Lola's trademark humor, we can expect a few mishaps, many funny moments, and a cute new pet all wrapped in one adorable book.

A Gabriel García Márquez lo conocen y lo admiran en todos los rincones del planeta. Ha escrito más de treinta libros que se han traducido a muchos idiomas. Sus maravillosas historias, que están llenas de personajes y lugares mágicos, le hicieron merecedor del Premio Nobel de Literatura en 1982. 'Gabo', como lo llaman cariñosamente, nació en Colombia y creció rodeado de historias. Algunas las contaban sus abuelos. Otras, las escuchaba en el pueblo. Y su loro, Lorenzo el Magnífico, le contó otras tantas ...

A remarkable tale of books and reading, now in a bilingual Spanish-English edition. On most days, teacher and librarian Luis Soriano Bohórquez packs his two burros, Alfa and Beto, with books and makes his way over mountains and through valleys to visit children in far-flung villages in rural Colombia—all for the sake of literacy and culture. Based on the work of a remarkable man and his intrepid burros, this bilingual English and Spanish edition celebrates the impact that a special mobile library—called the “biblioburro”—has had on the lives of real children. 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.

When new classmate Bella, a ballet dancer, walks into Lola's class at Northland Elementary, all Lola can see is pink everywhere--pink ribbons, a pink sweatshirt, and pink tennis shoes. Yuck! Pink is Lola's least favorite color. Plus, Ballet isn't nearly as hard as soccer, is it? Lola and Bella can't seem to stop squabbling. But when a mishap during class lands them in Principal Blot's office, Lola's mom comes up with a scheme--a ballet scheme--that just might make these classroom rivals realize that ballerinas and soccer players have more in common than they ever thought possible. But is it too late for Lola to make a new friend?