A boy and his monster confront their mutual fears in this unlikely friendship story that’s rooted in Mexican folklore Ramón 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 Ramón’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.
A boy and his monster confront their mutual fears in this unlikely friendship story that's rooted in Mexican folklore Ramón 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 Ramón'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.
Fans of The Girl Who Drank the Moon and Paola Santiago and the River of Tears will root for Omega Morales, in the second installment of the Omega Morales series, as she learns to trust her newfound powers when she comes face-to-face with the Mexican legend El Cucuy. After Omega discovers she has the unique ability to influence the emotions of supernatural creatures, she’s certain she’s strong enough to handle the feelings of others on Día de Muertos. But when darkness overwhelms her, it’s a sign that she’s still vulnerable—and even worse, there may be a new malicious presence in her hometown of Noche Buena. When a child goes missing at the cemetery, panic ensues, prompting the new sheriff to open an investigation. But then another child is taken. And another. Soon, with the help of Carlitos, Clau, and a magical emotional support animal, Omega uncovers that El Cucuy—the boogeyman—is responsible for the disappearances. And it doesn’t take long for Omega to realize that, just like with La Lechuza, she may be the only one who can stop him. But at what cost? This goose bump–raising sequel to Omega Morales and the Legend of La Lechuza is packed with magic, myth, and a brave heroine who must confront her own fears to save her family.…After all, what’s scarier than El Cucuy?
AS WE LOOK BACK ON OUR LIVES . . . As we look back on our lives, there is usually that one special person that we lovingly recall who touched our lives in a very special way. For me, it was my beloved Mother that after having been told by her doctor that she did not have long to live, spent precious time with her then twelve-year-old son. The stories she told me, some about the family and others from the Bible, I discovered later, were to prepare me for the often hard realities of life. I am forever grateful. Stories can serve to inform, entertain, and occasionally enlighten us with meaningful information and knowledge from diverse sources such as philosophy, religion, and science. In human history, storytelling is a rich source and fountain of special human relationships, events, and cultural heritage conveyed in the various languages of our precious human family. The short stories in Of Sunshine and Solitude reflect the dual realities of life, joy and sorrow, which we have experienced in our yesterdays, and are about to experience in the present realities we face today, and the promises and unknowns that await us tomorrow. DEAR READER: If you are fortunate enough to have that special person in your life still alive, take the opportunity to personally express your THANKS for the special kindness and love that special someone has given you.
Baldo is the 15-year-old title character in a hilarious new comic, the first nationally syndicated strip to depict a Latino family's lives. This refreshingly hip new collection captures the lifestyle and humor of the country's fastest-growing ethnic group through the adventures of a typical American teenager, who just happens to live a salsa-mix life of mainstream sensibilities and Latino culture. The result is a merry combination of silliness that rings true, whether Baldo and his buddies are dreaming of girls or building the sweetest low-rider car imaginable.
"The chemistry between these characters is downright palpable." —USA TODAY on The Wolf at the Door Agent Cooper Dayton and his partner, Oliver Park, are going undercover—at a retreat for couples who need counseling. They do say the best cover story is one that’s close to the truth… Agent Cooper Dayton is almost relieved to get a phone call from his former boss at the Bureau of Special Investigations. It means a temporary reprieve from tensions created by house hunting with Oliver Park, his partner both in work and in life. Living together in a forever home is exactly what Cooper wants. He’s just not keen on working out the details. With a former alpha werewolf missing, Cooper and Park are loaned to the BSI to conduct the search at a secluded mountain retreat. The agents will travel to the resort undercover…as a couple in need of counseling. The resort is picturesque, the grounds are stunning and the staff members are all suspicious as hell. With a long list of suspects and danger lurking around every cabin, Cooper should be focusing on the case. But he’s always been anxious about the power dynamics in his relationship with Park, and participating in the couples’ activities at the retreat brings it all to the surface. A storm is brewing, though, and Cooper and Park must rush to solve the case before the weather turns. Or before any more guests—or the agents themselves—end up dead. Big Bad Wolf Book 1: The Wolf at the Door Book 2: The Wolf at Bay Book 3: Thrown to the Wolves Book 4: Wolf in Sheep's Clothing Book 5: Cry Wolf Monster Hunt Book 1: Pack of Lies Book 2: Den of Thieves
Now an HBO limited series starring Ben Mendelsohn! Evil has many faces…maybe even yours in this #1 New York Times bestseller from master storyteller Stephen King. An eleven-year-old boy’s violated corpse is discovered in a town park. Eyewitnesses and fingerprints point unmistakably to one of Flint City’s most popular citizens—Terry Maitland, Little League coach, English teacher, husband, and father of two girls. Detective Ralph Anderson, whose son Maitland once coached, orders a quick and very public arrest. Maitland has an alibi, but Anderson and the district attorney soon have DNA evidence to go with the fingerprints and witnesses. Their case seems ironclad. As the investigation expands and horrifying details begin to emerge, King’s story kicks into high gear, generating strong tension and almost unbearable suspense. Terry Maitland seems like a nice guy, but is he wearing another face? When the answer comes, it will shock you as only Stephen King can.
A year has passed since the Ghetto Outlaws saved Chuco Town. In a secret meeting, General de la Vega and Doctor Chris Farrell hire the Ghetto Outlaws, FBI Agent Jason Mendivil, and Paco of the Hood to protect Lacy Jones and Doctor Van Der AA. The four agree to take them to the House on the Canal, their childhood retreat, bringing back haunting memories of their childhood.
The incredible new novel from Newbery Medal winning author Donna Barba Higuera. This is the story as it was told to me by Leandro the Mighty. For 400 years, Earth has been a barren wasteland. The few humans that survive scrape together an existence in the cruel city of Pocatel - or go it alone in the wilderness beyond, filled with wandering spirits and wyrms. They don't last long. Thirteen-year-old pickpocket Leandro and his sister Gabi do what they can to forge a life in Pocatel. The city does not take kindly to Cascabel like them - the descendants of those who worked the San Joaquin Valley for generations. When Gabi is caught stealing precious fruit from the Pocatelan elite, Leandro takes the fall. But his exile proves more than he ever could have imagined - far from a simple banishment, his consciousness is placed inside an ancient drone and left to fend on its own. But beyond the walls of Pocatel lie other alebrijes like Leandro who seek for a better world - as well as mutant monsters, wasteland pirates, a hidden oasis, and the truth. A thought-provoking and beautifully written novel, creating a whole new imaginative world that holds a mirror to our own. Praise for The Last Storyteller: 'Truly a beautiful cuento' New York Times
PURA BELPRÉ HONOR WINNER BEST OF THE YEAR New York Times · Kirkus · Booklist · Chicago Public Library The follow-up to Newbery and Pura Belpré Award-winning The Last Cuentista For 400 years, Earth has been a barren wasteland. The few humans that survive scrape together an existence in the cruel city of Pocatel – or go it alone in the wilderness beyond, filled with wandering spirits and wyrms. They don’t last long. 13 year-old pickpocket Leandro and his sister Gabi do what they can to forge a life in Pocatel. The city does not take kindly to Cascabel like them – the descendants of those who worked the San Joaquin Valley for generations. When Gabi is caught stealing precious fruit from the Pocatelan elite, Leando takes the fall. But his exile proves more than he ever could have imagined -- far from a simple banishent, his consciousness is placed inside an ancient drone and left to fend on its own. But beyond the walls of Pocatel lie other alebrijes like Leandro who seek for a better world -- as well as mutant monsters, wasteland pirates, a hidden oasis, and the truth. From Donna Barba Higuera, Newbery and Pura Belpré Medal-winning author of The Last Cuentista, comes another novel to astonish us and create a whole new imaginative world, that holds a mirror to our own. 7 STARRED REVIEWS ★ “An instant classic.” —School Library Journal (starred) ★ "Breathtaking… A ferociously epic and beautiful middle-grade dystopian novel.” —Shelf Awareness (starred) ★ “Combines humanity and technology with imaginative splendor.” —Foreword (starred) ★ “This heartfelt adventure signals hope for humanity, even in the aftermath of darkness.” —Kirkus (starred) ★ “High-stakes adventure… Beautiful, imaginative writing fills this dystopian sf novel. Though it exposes cruelty and corruption, it raises up storytelling, culture, and kindness as stronger yet… A wondrous addition to any collection.” —Booklist (starred) ★ “This stellar speculative narrative explores themes of identity across circumstance, centering an adolescent without structural power working to protect family and community.” —Publishers Weekly (starred) ★ “Higuera brilliantly balances the heaviness of a dystopian future of a ruined Earth with her own blend of science fiction and Mexican folkloric elements once Leandro leaves his human body… Leandro and his unflinching dedication to an uplifting view of humanity that will spark engagement from the first page and linger in the minds of readers well after they finish the novel.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred) “With its social and environmental commentary, this fast-paced and imaginative novel tackles issues of deception and control and leaves one with a sense of wonder that a single flap of a wing or a solitary voice can bring about unimaginable change.” —Horn Book
