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2011 Pura Belpré Honor Books for illustration

“In a story based on the author’s childhood experiences, two cousins, Charlie and Carlitos, exchange letters. Charlie lives in the United States; his primo Carlitos lives in Mexico. …What sets this title apart are Tonatiuh’s outstanding full-page illustrations, reminiscent of the aesthetic and style of the Mixtec codices. His clever use of colors, Mayan blue and Indian red for the Mexican setting and a variety of grays, blacks and browns mixed with bright colors for the U.S. urban scenes, the varying typefaces used on each side of the story and the inclusion of Spanish terms in Carlitos’s letter all contribute to differentiate both cultural experiences but make them at the same time positive, attractive and special.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Dear Primo: Una Carta Para Ti (Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin)

Written by Duncan Tonatiuh
Illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers

Two cousins—one in the United States and one in Mexico—learn their lives aren’t so different in Dear Primo, a charming picture book from award-winning author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh.

Meet Charlie and Carlitos. Charlie lives in America. Carlitos, his primo, lives in Mexico. Charlie takes the subway to school, plays basketball with his friends, and loves pizza. Carlitos rides his bicicleta to school and enjoys playing fútbol at recess, and his favorite meal is quesadillas.

Their lives appear different, but do Charlie and Carlitos have more in common than it seems?

Through his artwork and story, Duncan Tonatiuh introduces young readers to a very timely idea—that community is larger than just neighborhoods and schools.

Look for the English version, Dear Primo: A Letter to My Cousin.

Primary ISBN: 9781419775802
Publication Date: July 2024
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States, Mexico

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country, 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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