The Storyteller’s Candle / La velita de los cuentos

* "[T]his warmhearted Spanish/English bilingual story adopts the perspective of two children who are inspired by Belpré to enter a library for the very first time. . . . With this simple and affectionate story, González and Delacre. . . broadcast Belpré's welcome message to new generations of immigrants: 'Remember, the library belongs to you all."

"The well-written text is presented in both Spanish and English. The illustrations were created with layers of oil washes and collage. Tantalizing bits of The New York Times from that date are embedded in the artwork, giving hints of the larger world-steamship arrivals, theater reviews, and even an account of Three Kings' Day in San Juan. Sepia tones evoke the time period and the setting. A lovely offering about the role of librarians in the lives of children."

"[González's] text is charming and so filled with the voices of her characters that one gets a rich sense of community, and most of all, of Pura Belpré."

"This wonderful mini-biography introduces readers to a true literary hero, the first Latina librarian in the New York Public Library system."

"Both the English and Spanish narratives have considerable flow and propulsion, which make the book a perfect fit for storytimes, especially during the holiday season. A sound addition for most public and school library collections."

"This is a warm, winning introduction to the work of the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York, whose name was given to the American Librarian Association's annual award that honors Latino authors and illustrators."