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Coquí in the City

Illustrated by Nomar Perez
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A heartfelt picture book based on the author-illustrator's own experiences, about a boy who moves to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico and realizes that New York City might have more in common with San Juan than he initially thought.

Miguel's pet frog, Coquí, is always with him: as he greets his neighbors in San Juan, buys quesitos from the panadería, and listens to his abuelo's story about meeting baseball legend Roberto Clemente. Then Miguel learns that he and his parents are moving to the U.S. mainland, which means leaving his beloved grandparents, home in Puerto Rico, and even Coquí behind. Life in New York City is overwhelming, with unfamiliar buildings, foods, and people. But when he and Mamá go exploring, they find a few familiar sights that remind them of home, and Miguel realizes there might be a way to keep a little bit of Puerto Rico with him--including the love he has for Coquí--wherever he goes.
  • SELECTION
    Chicago Public Library Best Books
NOMAR PEREZ was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He moved to the U.S. at the age of 10, but the amazing colors, sounds, and flavors of his Puerto Rican culture have continued to influence him throughout his artistic life. He studied computer animation and painting at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and has been an illustrator and designer ever since. View titles by Nomar Perez

About

A heartfelt picture book based on the author-illustrator's own experiences, about a boy who moves to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico and realizes that New York City might have more in common with San Juan than he initially thought.

Miguel's pet frog, Coquí, is always with him: as he greets his neighbors in San Juan, buys quesitos from the panadería, and listens to his abuelo's story about meeting baseball legend Roberto Clemente. Then Miguel learns that he and his parents are moving to the U.S. mainland, which means leaving his beloved grandparents, home in Puerto Rico, and even Coquí behind. Life in New York City is overwhelming, with unfamiliar buildings, foods, and people. But when he and Mamá go exploring, they find a few familiar sights that remind them of home, and Miguel realizes there might be a way to keep a little bit of Puerto Rico with him--including the love he has for Coquí--wherever he goes.

Awards

  • SELECTION
    Chicago Public Library Best Books

Author

NOMAR PEREZ was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. He moved to the U.S. at the age of 10, but the amazing colors, sounds, and flavors of his Puerto Rican culture have continued to influence him throughout his artistic life. He studied computer animation and painting at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and has been an illustrator and designer ever since. View titles by Nomar Perez