El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!

(Hardback)

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Description

A boy and his monster confront their mutual fears in this unlikely friendship story that's rooted in Mexican folklore

Ramn is a little boy who can't sleep. He is nervous for his first day at a new school.
And El Cucuy is the monster who lives in Ramn's cactus pot. He can't sleep, either.
It turns out that El Cucuy is scared, too!
This gentle, perceptive story explores the worries that can accompany moving to a new place and beginning a new journey-and reveals how comfort, bravery, and strength can be found through even the most unexpected of friendships.

Reviews

Higuera fluidly intersperses Spanish words throughout the text, and their meanings can be inferred from context... These additions grant a depth to Ramns backstory and show his individuality while highlighting the differences he may encounter in his unfamiliar environment. Perdomos digital illustrations in vibrant hues pay homage to Ramns heritage. * The Horn Book Magazine *
This exploration of children in transition reminds readers that change can make even El Cucuy insecure. * Kirkus Reviews *

Author Bio

Donna Barba Higuera grew up dodging dust devils in the oilfields of central California. She was a daydreamer, constantly blending life experiences and folklore into stories. Now she weaves them into picture books and novels. Higuera currently lives among the spiraling mists of the Pacific Northwest with her husband, four children, three dogs, two frogs, and hundreds of wild birds who flock to her backyard birdfeeders every day. El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! is her debut picture book. She is also the author of the middle-grade novel Lupe Wong Wont Dance.

Juliana Perdomo is a Colombian illustrator and writer with a background as a psychologist and art therapist. Her work is joyful and heartfelt, folkish, and a bit retro, with a Latin touch. She has participated in different projects as an illustrator, El Cucuy Is Scared, Too! being her debut in the United States. Perdomo lives in Bogot, Colombia, with her amazing son, Luca, and a crazy old dog named Menta.