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i am salsa
by jackie azúa kramer
iIlustrated by elisa chavarri
Quill Tree Books
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“A fun, appealing option for sharing, this book also offers well-presented facts about salsa, its origins, and history. This heartfelt offering should find a wide audience on public and school library shelves.” — School Library Journal
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Each Saturday night, Marisol’s family comes together to salsa! Everyone—from Mami and Papi to primos, abuelos, and tías—twirls and sways to the catchy rhythm.
But ever since Marisol was a baby, her clumsy feet get twisted, and her moves get mixed up. It’s better if she just sits and watches everybody else dance. Though, with a little help from Papi and some encouragement from her whole family, maybe Marisol can learn to feel the beat of the instruments from around the world.
Acclaimed author Jackie Azúa Kramer and award-winning artist Elisa Chavarri tell a heartfelt story about confidence, family, and the music and culture of salsa.
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rhythm
by jackie azúa kramer
illustrated by taia morley
Magination Press
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“A beloved tree helps steady a child during a year of financial hardship in this evocative portrait of nature’s grounding rhythms…Washed with fuzzy textures, carefully drafted scenes align with the subtleties of the story’s socioeconomic context. Azúa Kramer and Morley successfully present a sensitive story of hope and rebirth in difficult circumstances.” - Publisher’s Weekly.
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In this powerful story of resilience and hope, one girl observes her community through the changing rhythm of each season.
In a town once vibrant but now affected by unemployment and food insecurity, one girl watches the seasons go by. Winter’s rhythm brings hearty soups. Spring’s rhythm brings soft breezes and pale yellow afternoons. Through it all one tree is her steady, generous friend. From acorns and dried leaves, to crocuses, to views of the sky and stars, the tree brings her gifts each season. This soothing and inspiring read uses the rhythms of nature as a metaphor for strength, change, and hope.
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boogie in the bronx
by jackie azúa kramer
illustrated by jana glatt
performed by sol y canto
barefoot books
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This bilingual counting book uses bold primary colors to depict the diversity and joy of the Bronx” – Foreword Reviews
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Joining Barefoot’s singalong collection, this upbeat story depicts residents of a high-rise apartment building in the Bronx, New York, who are dancing down to their neighborhood block party. From samba-dancing nurses to reggaeton-loving firefighters, this unique song-story introduces 10 kinds of Latin, Afro-Latin, and African American dance and music from throughout the Americas. Readers can count along in English and Spanish as they visit each floor of the building!
empanadas for everyone
by jackie azúa kramer
illustrated by lenny wen
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
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"An ode to diverse communities, Kramer and Wen’s joint effort exudes compassion and generosity. Kramer overstuffs the narrative with lovely turns of phrases...full of warm colors like soft yellows and oranges, the artwork complements Carina’s adventure...a yum for the tum and heart." -- Kirkus Reviews
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"The importance of community and what unites its members shine through on every page. Friendly storefronts line the blocks. The music of the stories being told on the sidewalks mesh with car horns, kids’ laughter, and the made-up song that Carina and Tia Mimi dance along to while they cook: “¡Me gusta empanadas! ¡Me gustas tu!”
– School Library Journal
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In the vein of Thank You, Omu! and Bilal Cooks Daal comes a lyrical and nourishing tale about the importance of food to a community—and value of community to the experience of cooking—as told through the eyes of a young girl helping her tía.
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we are one
by jackie azúa kramer
illustrated by raissa figueroa and niña mata
two lions/amazon
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"Azúa Kramer offers up word pairs—seashell and wave, spark and idea—that provide creative metaphors of partnership in this idyllic picture of oneness through camaraderie... Employing smudgy, layered coloring, digital renderings from Figueroa and Mata portray figures of varying skin tones interacting…” —Publishers Weekly
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From an award-winning trio, this celebration of community, friendship, and the natural world features poetic, lyrical text paired with a vibrant visual tale of two characters, each illustrated by a different artist.
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manolo & the unicorn
by jackie azúa kramer & jonah kramer
illustrated by zach manbeck
April 18th 2023
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A story about seeing and believing wholeheartedly in the extraordinary—unicorns and oneself.
"This sweet story conveys an empowering message about being true to oneself and one’s dreams. The language is often poetic, airy, and lush. The bright illustrations, from which rays of light seem to emanate often, are delicate and suit a tale about a magical creature. Will leave little ones reassured that the world is a magical place if they truly believe it is." --Kirkus Review
dorothy and herbert:
the story of ordinary people and
their extraordinary collection of art
by jackie azúa kramer
illustrated by julia breckenreid
October 26th 2021
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2021 Junior Library Gold Selection
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2021 Society of Illustrators Original Art Exhibition Selection
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2022 Best Books Canadian Children's Book Centre starred review
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A picture book biography about an ordinary New York City couple and their extraordinary collection of art.
"Overall, this is a warm and thoughtful depiction of the two collectors as well as an engaging introduction to the world of modern art." --Kirkus Review
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"VERDICT An eccentric tumble down an unexpectedly accessible bio of two fans who made their passion into a way of life, and just the kind of adventure that many children will find inspiring." --School Library Journal
miles won't smile
by jackie azúa kramer
illustrated by martina schachenhuber
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"This is a book about caring, loving siblings that young kids will easily relate to. There are lots of expressive sounds and actions that can be imitated to keep readers engaged." - BookWorks
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i wish you knew / ojalá supieras
by jackie azúa kramer
illustrated by magdalena mora
roaring brook press
May 11, 2021
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Parents' Magazine: Raising the Future Book Club June 2021 Pick
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Chicago Public Library-Best of the Best Books 2021
A story about deportation, divided families, and the importance of community in the midst of uncertainty.
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"...poignant" - Kirkus Reviews
"...compassionate" - School Library Journal
"A meditation..." - Booklist
the boy and the gorilla
by jackie azúa kramer
illustrated by cindy derby
candlewick press
October 13th, 2020
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2021 Bank Street College Best Children's Books of the Year
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Winner of Japan's 31st Bronze Kembuchi Picture Book Award
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Winner of 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite Award
A quietly thoughtful story of a young boy struggling with grief, and the imaginary gorilla who helps him find a path to healing.
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"Luminous" - Kirkus -starred review
"...miraculous"- Publishers Weekly- starred review
"...magnificent" - BCCB- starred review
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Notable New Titles for Spring 2018--Booklist
“Lulling language, key bedtime trigger words & gentle repetition are sure to help tiny eyes close. Children will enjoy witnessing Little Mouse's mischief & that of his many toys. A common nighttime predicament with a few not-so-common solutions.” - Kirkus Reviews
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