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-toned paintings vibrate with life and energy, and bring Ina Cumpiano’s charming neighborhood tale 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.
José Ramírez was born in Los Angeles, California, where he lives today. 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, coffee shops, and public spaces in the US and abroad.
• 2006 Texas 2x2 Reading List Selection, Texas Library Association
• 2006 Skipping Stones Honor Award, Bilingual Book
• Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) Choices
• Finalist, ReadBoston Best Read Aloud Book Award
“Its child appeal, lovely message, and potential inspiration to young authors and artists make Quinito's Neighborhood a place that youngsters will enjoy visiting.” —School Library Journal Starred Review
" 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
"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
“...presents a healthy view—without gender stereotypes—of a neighborhood.” —ForeWord Magazine
"Ramírez's colorful mural-style illustrations introduce children to modern role models that reflect the changing workplace." —Críticas
"This bilingual picture book (tells) the story of a beautiful community united by love and acceptance." —Fort Worth Star-Telegram
