José and El Perro

Illustrated by Gloria Félix
Join José as he trains his new dog in this fun early reader that uses both Spanish and English!

José loves his family: his Papi, Mami, and little sister, Sofi. But something is missing—he dreams of having a dog, un perro of his own. Finally José gets to pick el perro perfecto, the perfect dog, from a shelter. But when he tries out commands like "¡Siéntate!” (sit) and “¡Échate!” (lie down), his new pet simply tilts his head to the side in confusion. Then he realizes that the dog does understand commands—he just doesn't understand Spanish! Follow along as José teaches su perro inteligente some new words en español.    

This early reader, co-written by notable Broadway producer Susan Rose and children’s book author Silvia López, is the perfect introduction for English-speaking children who have just begun learning Spanish. The inclusion of the Spanish/English translations at the end of the book also makes it an excellent teaching tool. Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.
Silvia López (she/her) was born in Cuba and moved to Miami as a child. Her lifelong love of books turned into a career as a children's librarian until, later in life, she became a children’s author. López is an eclectic writer whose work reflects her interest in animals, history, folk tales, and people who have overcome obstacles to achieve great things. Her books include Just Right Family: An Adoption Story (Florida Book Award 2018, illustrated by Ziyue Chen), Handimals: Animals in Art and Nature (a collaboration with Italian artist Guido Daniele), Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, which also received the Florida Book Award in 2020 (English and Spanish, illustrated by Paola Escobar), Pacho Nacho (bilingual, illustrated by Pablo Pino), and My Little Golden Book about Frida Kahlo (English and Spanish, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri). My Little Golden Book about Sonia Sotomayor in English and Spanish is scheduled for release in 2022. 

Susan Rose (she/her) is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer for The Band's Visit and co-producer of the upcoming Broadway musical Sing Street. She has also produced Tony-nominated Broadway shows, including the original Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat, Hurlyburly, and Blood Knot. She co-produced the Drama Desk-winning musical The Last Five Years. Susan has enjoyed a successful film career as a producer as well. Several of her films have been nominated for and won Emmy Awards, including Cooler Climate and Jack.

Gloria Félix (she/her) was born and raised in Uruapan, a beautiful small city in Michoacán, Mexico, one of her biggest inspirations when it comes to art. After earning her bachelor's degree in Animation and Digital Art, Gloria moved to San Francisco to pursue an MFA in Visual Development. Besides children's books, she makes art for the animation industry. Her hobbies include walking, life drawing, and plein-air painting with her partner and friends. Currently she lives and paints in Guadalajara.
"Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative...Cuando quieres un perro feliz, look no further. " —Kirkus Reviews

"An easy-to-read book for dog lovers who enjoy independent reading." —School Library Journal

About

Join José as he trains his new dog in this fun early reader that uses both Spanish and English!

José loves his family: his Papi, Mami, and little sister, Sofi. But something is missing—he dreams of having a dog, un perro of his own. Finally José gets to pick el perro perfecto, the perfect dog, from a shelter. But when he tries out commands like "¡Siéntate!” (sit) and “¡Échate!” (lie down), his new pet simply tilts his head to the side in confusion. Then he realizes that the dog does understand commands—he just doesn't understand Spanish! Follow along as José teaches su perro inteligente some new words en español.    

This early reader, co-written by notable Broadway producer Susan Rose and children’s book author Silvia López, is the perfect introduction for English-speaking children who have just begun learning Spanish. The inclusion of the Spanish/English translations at the end of the book also makes it an excellent teaching tool. Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.

Author

Silvia López (she/her) was born in Cuba and moved to Miami as a child. Her lifelong love of books turned into a career as a children's librarian until, later in life, she became a children’s author. López is an eclectic writer whose work reflects her interest in animals, history, folk tales, and people who have overcome obstacles to achieve great things. Her books include Just Right Family: An Adoption Story (Florida Book Award 2018, illustrated by Ziyue Chen), Handimals: Animals in Art and Nature (a collaboration with Italian artist Guido Daniele), Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, which also received the Florida Book Award in 2020 (English and Spanish, illustrated by Paola Escobar), Pacho Nacho (bilingual, illustrated by Pablo Pino), and My Little Golden Book about Frida Kahlo (English and Spanish, illustrated by Elisa Chavarri). My Little Golden Book about Sonia Sotomayor in English and Spanish is scheduled for release in 2022. 

Susan Rose (she/her) is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer for The Band's Visit and co-producer of the upcoming Broadway musical Sing Street. She has also produced Tony-nominated Broadway shows, including the original Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat, Hurlyburly, and Blood Knot. She co-produced the Drama Desk-winning musical The Last Five Years. Susan has enjoyed a successful film career as a producer as well. Several of her films have been nominated for and won Emmy Awards, including Cooler Climate and Jack.

Gloria Félix (she/her) was born and raised in Uruapan, a beautiful small city in Michoacán, Mexico, one of her biggest inspirations when it comes to art. After earning her bachelor's degree in Animation and Digital Art, Gloria moved to San Francisco to pursue an MFA in Visual Development. Besides children's books, she makes art for the animation industry. Her hobbies include walking, life drawing, and plein-air painting with her partner and friends. Currently she lives and paints in Guadalajara.

Praise

"Cheerful illustrations complement the text, helping readers make sense of the narrative...Cuando quieres un perro feliz, look no further. " —Kirkus Reviews

"An easy-to-read book for dog lovers who enjoy independent reading." —School Library Journal

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