Picture Book

My Name Is Cool: 18 Stories from a Cuban-Irish-American Storyteller

Antonio Sacre weaves the Spanish language, Cuban and Mexican customs, and Irish humor into a book of humor, inspiration, tradition, and family.

The Owl Who Wanted To See The Sun

There are birds that live under the light of the sun and others that only know the night. The owl was a great admirer of the moon. As a true night bird, she had no idea what the sun does. It was only natural, then, that the conversation of the great toad awoke her curiosity. A curiosity that kept growing until it dominated her completely. She had to see the sun, no one could stop her. But the adventure cost her dearly. Caught un an argument witha daytime bird, she ended up with exposing her vision to the sun’s rays, leading to a tragic end: the permanent loss of her vision. A tragedy in the animal world serves as a life lesson for the world of men.

Luis Paints The World

Nico doesn’t have to join the Army to see the world–that’s what younger brother Luis tries to show by painting a mural in the neighborhood alley. But Nico is deployed and his small brother paints the world in the alleyway to hold on to him.

Luis Paints the World is a WOW Recommends: Book of the Month for December 2016.

The Princess And The Warrior

Princess Izta had many wealthy suitors but dismissed them all. When a mere warrior, Popoca, promised to be true to her and stay always by her side, Izta fell in love. The emperor promised Popoca if he could defeat their enemy Jaguar Claw, then Popoca and Izta could wed. When Popoca was near to defeating Jaguar Claw, his opponent sent a messenger to Izta saying Popoca was dead. Izta fell into a deep sleep and, upon his return, even Popoca could not wake her. As promised Popoca stayed by her side. So two volcanoes were formed: Iztaccíhuatl, who continues to sleep, and Popocatépetl, who spews ash and smoke, trying to wake his love.

Ming’s Adventure in the Mogao Caves: A Story in English and Chinese

The sandstorm was blowing hard over the Gobi Desert. Xiao Ming got separated from his parents on their way to the Mogao Caves. As it was getting dark. Xiao Ming along with the other travelers who were separated from the group were huddling in the sand helplessly. In the darkness of the Gobi Desert, Xiao Ming vaguely saw a little light flashing in the dust. The light got closer and closer and finally he saw a deer with nine shades of color in his fur. His antlers were as white as snow and his body was wrapped with a touch of bright light. The nine-colored deer told Xiao Ming to follow him.

The Journey

With haunting echoes of the current refugee crisis this beautifully illustrated book explores the unimaginable decisions made as a family leave their home and everything they know to escape the turmoil and tragedy brought by war.

Featured in WOW Review Volume IX, Issue 4.

The Animals’ Ark

It begins with a light rain in the animal kingdom that turns heavier and steadier until all the land is flooded. The animals are huddled together atop a hill, the only dry spot left, when they spy a boat coming toward them. Rescue! The smiling captain, Mr. Noah, invites them to board, two by two.