El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
In El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!, a boy and his monster confront their mutual fears in this unlikely friendship story that’s rooted in Mexican folklore from Newbery Medal and Pura Belpré Award-winning author Donna Barba Higuera and illustrator Juliana Perdomo.
Ramón is a little boy who can’t sleep. He is nervous for his first day at a new school.
And El Cucuy is the monster who lives in Ramón’s cactus pot. He can’t sleep, either.
It turns out that El Cucuy is scared, too!
This gentle, perceptive story explores the worries that can accompany moving to a new place and beginning a new journey—and reveals how comfort, bravery, and strength can be found through even the most unexpected of friendships.
“Higuera fluidly intersperses Spanish words throughout the text, and their meanings can be inferred from context. . . . These additions grant a depth to Ramón’s backstory and show his individuality while highlighting the differences he may encounter in his unfamiliar environment. Perdomo’s digital illustrations in vibrant hues pay homage to Ramón’s heritage.” —The Horn Book Magazine
Also available:
It’s Navidad, El Cucuy!
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ramón, a dark-haired, light brown–skinned child, has just moved to New York with his family in this tender picture book debut. Feeling homesick and apprehensive, he can't sleep; soon, El Cucuy, a cape-clad gray creature with sharp teeth ("also known as the Mexican Boogeyman," according to an author's note), reveals that he can't, as well. The duo exchange their concerns: Ramón worries about making new friends at a new school, while El Cucuy—who lives in Ramón's cactus pot—worries about a lack of small, dark spaces in which to hide and whether people will know to fear him. As Ramón comforts and reassures El Cucuy, he soon finds strength to face his own fears. Higuera gracefully interweaves Spanish and English, while Perdomo's subtly textured digital illustrations feature vibrant colors and geometrically stylized scenes. A delightful infusion of folklore makes this new-school narrative stand out. Back matter includes author's and illustrator's notes. Ages 4–8.
