The Low-down from Texas: Quinito's Neighborhood Makes the Texas 2 x 2

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Children's Book Press was honored today when the Texas Library Association named Quinito's Neighborhood/El Vecindario de Quinito one of the top 20 books in 2005, selecting the book for their prestigious Texas 2 x 2 Reading List.

Illustrated by José Ramírez and written by Ina Cumpiano, Quinito's Neighborhood is an innocent and insightful look into a young boy's understanding of community.

"We couldn't be more pleased," said Ruth Tobar, Publisher and Executive Director of Children's Book Press. "The 2 x 2 nurtures literacy and a love of books in young children, and we're proud Quinito's Neighborhood can contribute to this critical mission."

The Texas 2 x 2 List represents the best new books published each year for two year olds to second graders. Over 600 books were considered this year, and the finalists are recommended for use to parents, teachers, librarians, day care providers, and early childhood specialists. In addition to preparing the list, children's librarians also developed reading tips designed to help parents and educators enhance a child's reading experience and develop healthy learning patterns.

"This book was a labor of love," states Tobar. "It inspires children to explore and appreciate their own school and neighborhood communities, and we hope it will continue to give back to those communities for generations to come."

Children's Book Press (CBP) is a nonprofit publisher of quality children's literature from Latino, African American, Asian American and Native American communities. Since its inception in 1975, CBP has been a pioneer in creating an authentic literature of inclusion that gives all young people a sense of their own ethnic history and importance. A free teacher's guide is available from Children's Book Press. The guide includes reading and cross-curricular activities that correspond to teaching standards and can be found at: http://www.childrensbookpress.org/guides/quinito/all_about.html

About the Illustrator & Author
José Ramírez's paintings, sculptures, and tile murals have been shown in museums, galleries, bookstores, coffee shops, and public spaces in the U.S. and abroad. He is also a second grade teacher. Ina Cumpiano, a Puerto Rican poet and translator, has published nearly twenty books for children. She has had many different jobs, but so far her favorite has been as a grandmother to her ten grandchildren.

Quinito's Neighborhood/El Vecindario de Quinito, Written by Ina Cumpiano, Illustrated by José Ramírez

Children's fiction — Full-color illustrations throughout — Bilingual in English and Spanish — ISBN 0-89239-209-6 — $16.95 8 1/2" x 10" — 24 pages — Ages 3 and up — Publication Date: August 2005