Saudade
SAUDADE: OUR LONGING FOR BRAZIL is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Beautifully illustrated by André Ceolin and published by Neal Porter Books, the book is coming out on June 25, 2024. It follows a Brazilian immigrant mother and her Brazilian American daughter through a hike as they talk and discover what saudade means to each of them.
Hello! Oi!
Ana Crespo is happiest when surrounded by nature. So, Ana spends her summers traveling around the United States, visiting National Parks, and exploring some of the most beautiful places in America. She usually returns from her trips full of ideas for new stories. Ana considers herself lucky for having a career that allows her to keep her imagination alive way beyond her childhood years. Originally from Brazil, Ana lives in the beautiful Rocky Mountain region with her husband and kids.
Books
Saudade: Our Longing for Brazil
Illustrated by André Ceolin
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Saudade is a Portuguese and Galician word with no perfect translation to English; it's a strong, melancholy longing for something you once had. Hiking in the hills, a little girl and her Brazilian immigrant mother contemplate what makes them feel saudade. A cool salty breeze miles from the ocean; the smell of Mamãe's perfume; memories of playing with cousins under trees or waterfalls, riding waves with grandparents who are now stuck in the square of a video call.
Lia & Luís: Puzzled!
Illustrated by Giovana Medeiros
A Companion Book for Lia & Luís: Who Has More?
Twins Lia and Luís have received a secret puzzle from their grandma! Can they put it together to read the hidden message? A playful exploration of geometry and sorting featuring Brazilian American characters and a glossary of Brazilian Portuguese words.
Hello, Tree!
Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk
a 2021 A Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year
When a wildfire comes roaring into the forest, all the animals and humans flee. But all the tree can do is wait. Wait until many days and nights pass. Wait until the fire loses the battle. And wait until the forest is still before the forest can be reborn and the animals and the girl can come back. Inspired by the 2013 Black Forest fire, Hello, Tree is about the kinship between humans and nature, and preservation of the environment.
Lia & Luís: Who Has More?
Illustrated by Giovana Medeiros
Winner of the 2021 Mathical Book Prize—PreK
Twins Lia and Luís argue over who has more of their favorite snacks. Can the siblings use math--and a little sharing--to pick the winner? A playful exploration of measurement, counting, and estimation, featuring Brazilian American characters and a glossary of Brazilian Portuguese words. Available in hardcover and paperback.
The Sock Thief: A Soccer Story
Illustrated by Nana Gonzalez
Winner of the 2016 International Latino Book Award—PB Bilingual
Brazilian boy, Felipe, doesn’t own a soccer ball. When it’s his turn to take one to school, he must use a lot of creativity (and a few socks) to solve his problem. Inspired by the childhood stories of the author's father, the book includes animals sounds and words in Portuguese.
My Emotions & Me Series
Illustrated by Erica Sirotich
JP uses his imagination and a cast of adorable make-believe characters to help young readers understand how to navigate their emotions in a fun and positive way. Perfect for ages 2-5, this series combines simple text and bright illustrations, and uses imaginative play to demonstrate problem-solving and self-soothing skills.
Events
This page was last updated on January 15, 2024.
How to Create a Picture Book
March 25 to 28, 2024
A 4-day workshop for elementary school children about the many steps to create a picture book. Kids will write and illustrate their own stories. The event will take place at the school in Cape Cod, MA.
Contact
Whether you're a teacher looking for information about school visits, or a parent with comments about a book, or a reader with something to share, if you want to send me a message, here is the place to do it.
Can't wait to find out what you have to say!