THE CAZUELA THAT THE FARM MAIDEN STIRRED is a bilingual children’s picture book and a cumulative tale: both the action and Spanish words, which are woven throughout the English text, repeat and build as the story progresses.  Five different farm animals and their farmer (the “campesino“) contribute ingredients to a “cazuela” (pot) stirred by the farm maiden.  A surprise recipe is created.  At the book’s end, a glossary and an actual recipe are provided.

In addition to being the illustrator of the Pura Belpré Honor Book “My Name is Celia/Me llamo Celia” (Rising Moon Books), the book’s illustrator, Rafael López, is a painter, sculptor, and muralist.

BEFORE YOU WERE HERE, MI AMOR

• Publication Season/Year: Spring 2009
• Publisher: Viking Children’s Books
• Release Date: March 19, 2009
• ISBN (hardcover): 978-0-670-06301-7
• ISBN (paperback): TBD

BEFORE YOU WERE HERE, MI AMOR is a bilingual children’s picture book concerning all the things that one family does to welcome a new child into the world.  The story evokes the warmth and community of family life through the acts of each member of la familia - mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, grandmother, and grandfather, as well as the family puppy.  The illustrator, Santiago Cohen, enhanced the story with beautifully vibrant and colorful illustrations.

BEFORE YOU WERE HERE, MI AMOR is an ideal book not only for children who are curious about the time before they were born, but also for expecting and new parents.  Spanish words are woven throughout the English text, and both the context and illustrations clarify the Spanish meaning.  There is also a colorful glossary.  PARENTS magazine (May 2009) listed BEFORE YOU WERE HERE, MI AMOR  as one of six books noted “Best for Babies.”  Please see  www.samanthavamos.com for Activity sheets, as well as reviews (Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, SLJ, and more).  The BOOK TRAILER may be viewed at:  http://tinyurl.com/beforeyouwerehere/