Quinito's Neighborhood/ El Vecindario de Quinito by Ina Cumpiano

Quinito knows that his neighborhood is made up of much more than just buildings, streets, and shops—it is made up of all the people he knows and loves. People like his grown-up cousin Tita, who learns how to make people laugh in clown school, and his aunt, who paints murals to brighten up the streets. Everyone in the neighborhood has an important job, and each friend and neighbor knows and values everyone else.

José Ramírez's jewel-like paintings vibrate with life and energy, and bring Quinito's charming neighborhood journey to life. Quinito's Neighborhood will inspire readers to explore and appreciate their own neighborhood, and show them the boundless array of different jobs in their communities.

Ina Cumpiano is a Puerto Rican poet and translator who lives in a bustling neighborhood in San Francisco, California. She 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, ages two to thirteen.

José Ramírez was born in Los Angeles, California. A gifted artist, he is also a second grade teacher for the Los Angeles Unified school District. His paintings, sculptures, and tile murals have been shown in museums, galleries, bookstores, coffeeshops, and public spaces in the US and abroad. This is his fourth book for children.

“...the dark illustrations with their rich colors, heavy black holding lines, and block shapes...will draw the audience in.”
—The Horn Book Guide, Spring 2006

“...presents a healthy view—without gender stereotypes—of a neighborhood.”
—FOREWARD MAGAZINE, November/December 2005

“Ramirez's vibrant acrylic-on-canvas paintings bring this community to life, the primitive forms fairly bursting from the book's pages with their deep hues and sense of emotional warmth. The simple text, equally good in both English and Spanish, is in a font that resembles a child's printing. Its child appeal, lovely message, and potential inspiration to young authors and artists make Quinito's Neighborhood a place that youngsters will enjoy visiting.”
—Starred Review, School Library Journal, October 2005

"Ramírez's colorful mural-style illustrations introduce children to modern role models that reflect the changing workplace."
—CRíTICAS

"This is an excellent book for ages four to seven to learn about the people in their neighborhoods and the roles the denizens play. Like a real neighborhood, this piece is full of characters who are each important to the daily functions of their streets. This book is ideal for children in the beginning stages of reading in either English or Spanish. Just open it up, Quinito will welcome you in."
—MULTICULTURAL REVIEW, Winter 2005

"The colors and textures, the absence of white space, and the folk-art representation of the neighbors make every page seem like a mural—this is a vibrant depiction of a variety of individuals and the talents that energize the community in which they live."
—BOOKLIST, December 2005

"José Ramírez employs bright colors and flat perspective in his striking illustrations that take us on a journey through a vibrant city landscape."
—BOOK NOTES, December 2005

"This bilingual picture book (tells) the story of a beautiful community united by love and acceptance."
—FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, September 2005

Quinito's Neighborhood/ El Vecindario de Quinito

Other books about Childhood/Family/Community


	2006 Skipping Stones Honor Award, Bilingual Book 2006 Texas 2x2 Reading List, Texas Library Association 2006 Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices


	Other books about Childhood/Family/Community Angels Ride Bikes and Other Fall Poems / Los ángeles andan en bicicleta y otros poemas de otoño Calling the Doves / El canto de las palomas Chachaji's Cup Dum, Chavi, Drum! / °Toca, Chavi, Toca! Family Pictures / Cuadros de familia From the Bellybutton of the Moon and Other Summer Poems / Del ombligo de la luna y otros poemas de verano Going Back Home: An Artist Returns to the South Going Home, Coming Home / Ve Nha, Tham Que Huong Grandma and Me at the Flea / Los meros meros remateros Honoring Our Ancestors: Stories and Pictures by Fourteen Artists In My Family / En mi familia It Doesn't Have to Be This Way: A Barrio Story / No tiene que ser así: una historia del barrio I Remember 121 Just Like Me: Stories and Self-Portraits by Fourteen Artists Lakas and the Manilatown Fish / Si Lakas at ang Isdang Manilatown The Little Weaver of Thai-Yen Village Magic Windows / Ventanas mágicas A Movie in My Pillow / Una película en mi almohada My Diary from Here to There / Mi diario de aquÌ hasta all· My Very Own Room / Mi propio cuartito This Land is My Land Two Mrs. Gibsons The Upside Down Boy / El niño de cabeza Where Fireflies Dance / Ahí donde bailan las luciérnagas Xochitl and the Flowers / Xóchitl, la Niña de las Flores Other books from the Latino Communities