Summer Musings
Building Connections
The Takeaway of conventions
One takeaway from the brief time I spent at the American Library Association Annual convention is the importance of building lasting connections. I still remember attending this sort of convention decades ago with shyness and aprehension of talking to people about my own work. I feared appearing overzealous and boastful. I used to think only marketers, reviewers and editors could speak well of my work. However, over the years I’ve learned that the author is oftentimes the one who knows the work best and therefore can deliver a convincing argument about why the specific work matters.
I’ve also reaffirmed that teaming up with your publisher’s marketing team is a winning number. As winning as it is reconnecting with industry colleagues one does not see often. There is always something to learn from these encounters. Being able to cheer the Pura Bepré Award winners brought me great joy. I was thrilled to give away temporary tattoos of Rafi and Rosi Coquí, and loved to sign dozens of advance reading copies of Rafi and Rosi Menu! Now I look forward to the next convention. Maybe NCTE?
¡arañitas! Little Spiders!
A Peek Behind the Book
Anyone yearning for a hot, crunchy, and salty Puerto Rican treat? Enjoy a taste of what Rafi and Rosi Menu! is all about! Click on the image below to learn how to make arañitas, one of the recipes featured in the book.
LookinG Ahead
Story, Skit, and Signing
Mark your calendar! Join me at Politics & Prose Bookstore on October 1st and watch kids perform the story “Little Spiders” in an unrehearsed skit. It should be loads of fun. Contact the store to have signed copies set aside for you. The book is perfect for children 4-8 years old, and an excellent choice to build confidence in beginner readers of English or Spanish.
Thinking of bringing an author to inspire your students? I keep my offerings fresh. Check out the latest programs!