Naivi Vera’s “The Wonderful World of Susy” is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated bilingual (Spanish-English) children’s book that delivers meaningful life lessons through the joyful adventures of a spirited young ant named Susy.
Written with both accessibility and imagination, Vera’s story is a vibrant journey into core values like bravery, teamwork, and kindness. Recommended for readers ages 3 to 7 years.
Meet Susy: A Brave and Curious Heroine
Susy, a curious and courageous ant, explores her world with an open heart and a determination to help others. Along the way, she encounters challenges that test her resolve and creativity. These moments show young readers that true bravery isn’t about facing things alone—it’s about learning to work together and ask for help when needed.
A Bilingual Story with Educational Value
One of the book’s standout features is its bilingual format, which presents English and Spanish text side-by-side. This makes it an excellent tool for early language learners and multicultural families. It’s a gentle and fun way to build vocabulary while enjoying a story that’s universally relatable.
A Celebration of Childhood Discovery
With its colorful illustrations and engaging narrative, “The Wonderful World of Susy” is both entertaining and educational. It encourages emotional intelligence, celebrates cooperation, and highlights the magic of discovery through a child’s eyes.
Perfect for story time at home or in the classroom, Naivi Vera’s debut is a charming addition to any children’s bookshelf.
“Every day, as night fell, Susy sat at the entrance to her home and contemplated the sky, the moon, and the stars. She thought about all the fantastic adventures she would have with her beautiful, hard-working family the next day. Susy knew they were not just a family, but a united team capable of achieving more.”
‘The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce’ by Monica R. Velasquez teaches children the virtue of patience and sweet rewards. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Monica R Velasquez is a bilingual kindergarten teacher and children’s books author. Writing is her passion because it allows her to share her culture with others. “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce,” her first book, is about a little girl anxiously counting the days until Sunday when she and her family eat sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day as she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.”
“The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” – This is a rhyming book for children and children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life. Sweet bread is something that many people enjoy around the family table with a cup of coffee. Some wait to eat the “pan dulce” at the end of the week when everyone can gather around, enjoy each other’s company, and eat delicious, sweet bread.
A charming and heartwarming children’s book, it vividly captures the beauty of anticipation and family tradition. It follows a little girl as she counts down the days of the week, eagerly awaiting Sunday—her family’s special day to buy pan dulce, or sweet bread.
Velasquez skillfully weaves a simple yet engaging narrative that highlights the joy of a weekly ritual and teaches young readers the concept of patience and the comfort of routine. Each day is thoughtfully described, showing how she struggles through each, all while dreaming of her favorite treats. The colorful and inviting illustrations by Natasha Bolonna add warmth and charm to every page, perfectly capturing the coziness of the little girl’s world.
Overall, “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” is a wonderful introduction to the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine and the small joys of family rituals. It’s relatable, rhythmic, and sweet—just like the pan dulce it celebrates. Ideal for preschoolers and early readers, it’s a delightful read-aloud that encourages children to find magic in the everyday.
This year’s South Texas AuthorCon featured a variety of authors from the Rio Grande Valley.
Author events, such as book signings, readings, and meet-and-greets, offer readers a unique opportunity to connect with the creators behind the stories. These events are important because they foster personal interactions, allowing authors to share insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes details of their work. For readers, attending author events provides a chance to engage with their favorite writers and discover new ones across all genres. The appeal lies in the sense of community and connection that forms, making the reading experience more intimate and memorable. These events also encourage a deeper appreciation of literature and the creative process.
This month, the city of San Benito hosted the second annual South Texas AuthorCon at the San Benito Plaza. The two day event brought readers of all ages to meet authors of all genres, purchase books, and get author autographs. The first day was geared solely towards students while the second day was open to the public and all together, authors, artists, and guests made this event a success.
Before the event, Beyond Borders Books held a writing contest. Valley View High School student Mariano Moreno won the 2024 Creative Writing Contest for his poem “¿Dónde están mis hijos?” which he recited that day.
Many thanks to the authors and artists for their patience in meeting everyone and taking their time to tell their story and answer questions. This event was an opportunity for me to discover authors I hadn’t hear of and meet fellow bibliophiles. I met a handful of authors from several genres including memoirs, children’s books, and YA novels.
Some of the authors included:
Thomas Ray Garcia– “The River Runs” Short story collection. This collection presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation.
Monica Velasquez – “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce.” Children’s book. A little girl waits patiently everyday just to get to Sunday, when the family eats sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day in which she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.” The book is a rhyming book for children or children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life.
Cassie Bleu Davila – “I’m Not Waiting for My Mom To Die.” Memoir. When Cassie was 7 years old, she had to leave the only place she had ever known after her mom married a US citizen. Now living in the United States, she puts on a fake smile for everyone, but behind closed doors her life is a nightmare. She is hiding the deepest darkest secret that nobody could imagine. The only person that knows about her secret is her mom. But if her own mom won’t help her, who will?
Rosario Ozuna – “The Tears Behind the Smile: Poems and Reflections from the Heart”– Literary fiction. These poems and reflections mirror daily obstacles and several of our deepest daily emotions, which sometimes we keep chained up within our soul. Several of the themes in this book are kept in our hearts in silence. Many of these experiences are painful, distressing, and even make us cry and doubt, but they also help us to believe in ourselves. Without these sunny and blue situations, we wouldn’t know how to move forward and make the best of these circumstances. This book also debuts ten Spanish poems. Facebook profile
Patty York Raymond – “It’s Too Windy” “Hay Mucho Viento!” Children’s books. The story is about family and how establishing long lasting traditions leads to developing close family ties that last a lifetime. Jessica and David can’t wait to swim in the grandparents’ pool. But how long will they have to wait? It’s Too Windy is accompanied by a music CD.
Angela Rosko – “Hello Grace” and “Grammy Misses Gracie.” The Adventures of Gracie and Grammy series of children’s books.
Margarita Longoria– “Living Beyond Borders: Growing up Mexican in America” YA short story collection. In this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics, this celebrated group of authors share the borders they have crossed, the struggles they have pushed through, and the two cultures they continue to navigate as Mexican Americans.
Naivi Vera – “El Maravilloso Mundo de Susy: La Pequeña Hormiga Aventurera” “The Wonderful World of Susy: The Adventurous Little Ant” Children’s book. “El maravilloso mundo de Susy, la hormiguita aventurera” is a Spanish-English bilingual children’s book that teaches children values like bravery and teamwork. Through this bilingual tale, they will discover how fun the world of ants can be. In this magical illustrated story, children will learn in a fun and simple way how to overcome big challenges and achieve more when everyone can contribute their part by working together, helping each other, and contributing to nature.
New from Cheryl Willis Hudson and London Ladd – “When I Hear Spirituals.” Photo: Amazon
Illustrated children’s books play a crucial role in early literacy development by combining visual and textual elements to engage young readers. The vibrant images capture attention, making stories more accessible and easier to understand, while the text introduces new vocabulary and concepts. These books stimulate imagination, foster emotional growth, and help children connect with the world around them. The visual storytelling also supports comprehension and retention. Illustrated books offer a pleasant aesthetic experience that can make reading enjoyable, encouraging a lifelong love for books. Their appeal lies in their ability to entertain while nurturing cognitive and emotional development.
Out this month is the illustrated children’s book “When I Hear Spirituals” by Cheryl Willis Hudson and illustrated by London Ladd. (Holiday House Publishing, 2025)
Cheryl Willis Hudson is an author, editor, publisher, and respected member of the children’s book community. She is cofounder of Just Us Books, publisher and packager of books that celebrate African American children, as well as co-author of “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” a groundbreaking picture book. Cheryl enjoys singing spirituals a cappella and creating handmade story quilts. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Wade Hudson.
London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in illustration. His critically acclaimed artwork has been featured in picture books, newspapers, magazines, and community-based murals. “When I Hear Spirituals” is his first book for Holiday House. London lives in Syracuse, New York.
“When I Hear Spirituals” – A girl connects with heritage, history, and a higher power through the lyrics of twelve beloved spirituals and four seminal events in African American history.
A beautiful keepsake to be shared by multiple generations.
When I hear spirituals Sometimes A big, full feeling Grows in my chest . . .
Her heart pounds, she gets a lump in her throat, and tears flow down her cheeks. She wants to clap her hands and stomp her feet. There is healing, tenderness, strength, pride, and above all, hope.
The author of the classic picture book “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” Cheryl Willis Hudson, has woven together lyrics of twelve timeless, Black spirituals with a moving exploration of how music holds memories, emotions, and empowerment.
Songs include “Go down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Troubles I See,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Rock-a-My Soul,” “Get on Board, Little Children,” and more.
Evocative illustrations by award-winning artist London Ladd depict important people and places in Black history and culture: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Great Migration, and the Enslaved People’s Uprising of 1811.
Journey through Black history and music in this layered picture book.
Reading age: 6-9 years Grade level: 1-4 Pages: 40
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
“No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review
“A deeply resonant work that speaks to these songs’ historical—and present—meaning.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
“Cut paper, tissue paper, and acrylic paint give the art layered depth, much like the spirituals themselves, and the various changes in perspective and composition echo the emotion behind the songs;”—The Bulletin, Starred Review
“A personal tribute to a beloved American art form.”—Booklist, Starred Review
Dragons, dinosaurs, and daring adventures await in the delightful new children’s book ‘Sis Boom Baa!’ Photo: Amazon
Children’s books captivate young readers through vibrant illustrations, engaging stories, and relatable characters. They spark imagination, curiosity, and emotional growth, often teaching valuable life lessons in an entertaining way. The use of simple language and rhythmic patterns makes them accessible to early readers, while interactive elements like rhyme, repetition, and humor keep children engaged. By exploring diverse themes such as friendship, kindness, and adventure, they create a sense of empathy and creativity. Their appeal lies in the magical combination of fun and learning that resonates with young minds.
Ready to explore a world where laughter meets adventure? Presenting ‘Sis Boom Baa!,’ a whimsical children’s fantasy adventure designed for ages 6-12 and beautifully illustrated by the talented Bill DeOre. This enchanting tale is bound to captivate young minds and tickle funny bones while imparting timeless values. (WooGirl Public Relations, 2024)
Cappy McGarr is an Emmy-nominated co-founder of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. He’s one of few people to be appointed to the Kennedy Center by two different presidents. His writing has been published in the New York Times, Politico, and USA Today. His memoir, “The Man Who Made Mark Twain Famous,” is available at retailers everywhere.
Chandler Dean is a Brooklyn-based comedian and speechwriter whose satire has been featured in The New Yorker, McSweeney’s, Reductress, and Hard Drive. He is a director at the speechwriting firm West Wing Writers, where he co-leads the firm’s humor practice. He has previously worked for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.
‘Sis Boom Baa!’ – This is the tale of a kingdom once saved by Princess Lil’ Cap and Sir Hud the Brave…
Princess Lil’ Cap and Sir Hud the Brave live a happy, peaceful life in a beautiful castle. But what happens when they’re betrayed by an old friend and banished from the kingdom? To get back home, they’ll learn how to improvise, accept help from others, embrace bravery, and believe in themselves.
Join Princess Lil Cap and Sir Hud the Brave as they navigate a thrilling journey to return home after being betrayed and banished from their kingdom. They encounter dragons, dinosaurs, and trolls that challenge their courage and impart life-changing lessons.
Enjoy a tale that hilariously pokes fun at classic fantasy tropes while offering deep conversations between parents and children. It embraces crucial virtues such as bravery, empathy, confidence, humility, and forgiveness throughout this rollicking adventure.
Parental Advisory: This book features awesome creatures like dragons and dinosaurs. You should only read this book to your child if they enjoy awesome things.
‘How to Spot a Fairy’ by Sarah Glenn Marsh. Photo: Amazon
Children’s books about fairies and magical beings spark the imagination, whisking young readers into enchanting worlds filled with wonder. These stories often feature whimsical characters like fairies, elves, and unicorns, teaching valuable lessons about friendship, kindness, and bravery. Through vibrant illustrations and imaginative plots, children explore themes of adventure and discovery, often encountering challenges that require clever thinking and courage. These stories invite readers to believe in the extraordinary, nurture creativity and foster a love for reading, making them cherished staples on any child’s bookshelf. Author Sarah Glenn Marsh has a new children’s book coming out next month that’s all about fairies, sprites, and other such beings.
Sarah Glenn Marsh is the bestselling author of several young adult novels and many picture books. Her Irish heritage has inspired a love of folklore and fantastical storytelling from a young age. She lives with her husband, daughter, four dogs, several fish, and two birds in Richmond, Virginia, and she enjoys spending time with all her pets when she isn’t out roaming the woods in search of a little magic. Her new book “How to Spot a Fairy: A Field Guide to Sprites, Sylphs, Spriggans, and More” is an enchanting, illustrated field guide to finding fairies (and their families) in the wild. It is aimed for children ages 8-12 who enjoy stories about fairies, magical beings, and mythology/folklore. Release date is October 22, 2024. Illustrator: Lilla Bölecz (Running Press Kids, 2024)
Lilla Bölecz is an artist and folklore lover who specializes in graphic art, book illustration, dollmaking, and pattern design. Her work is mostly inspired by mysticism, legends, spiritual experiences, mythology, and literature. Lilla uses both digital and traditional media, including ink, gouache, clay, and acrylics. She is always looking for meaningful connections, and to bring to life the unconventional and unique.
“How to Spot a Fairy” – This compendium explores the history and mythology of fairies and offers information on how/where to find these magical beings. From boggarts and pixies to weeping women, water nymphs, moon maids, and more, this book organizes fairies by habitat and offers tips on how to seek out the mystical beings in our midst. Complete with interactive elements like quizzes (“Which Type of Fairy Are You?”), crafts (“Build Your Own Fairy Garden” and “Make Your Own Fairy Potion”), and recipes (“Brew Your Own Fairy Tea”), there’s endless fun to be had while on the search for fairy folk.
‘The Fairy Cat’ is the story of a magical cat. Photo: Amazon
Isla Skye is a teacher, herbalist and mother with a passion for sharing her love of the natural world and folklore. Her book “The Fairy Cat” is a charming children’s story that weaves together magic, friendship, and adventure in a delightful narrative. The story takes place in rural Ireland and centers around a young boy named Cianán who goes missing. Twenty years later, a black cat appears in a vegetable garden and helps a family recover their happiness.
The author’s writing is enchanting, capturing the whimsy and wonder of cats and their relationship to humans. The characters are endearing, particularly Ita and the magical wild cat. The author creates a vivid setting where the ordinary blends seamlessly with the extraordinary, inviting readers of all ages to believe in magic.
“The Fairy Cat” is a heartwarming story that celebrates the bonds of family, friendship ,and the power of belief. It is targeted for young readers up to 12 years but it’s a wonderful read for anyone who enjoys folk tales with a touch of enchantment and heart.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Chilla Gorilla & Lanky Lemur Journey to the Heart’ is the new children’s book by Kimberly Snyder and Jon Bier. Photo: Amazon
Children’s books hold an enchanting power, transporting young minds to realms of imagination and wonder. With vibrant illustrations and captivating stories, they weave magical tales that ignite curiosity and nurture creativity, instilling a lifelong passions for reading. They teach valuable lessons about friendship, bravery, and kindness, fostering empathy and understanding. Whether exploring fantastical worlds or navigating everyday challenges, children’s books spark joy and inspire dreams, laying the foundation for a lifetime love affair with literature and the boundless realms of imagination.
In this enlightening and playful story by New York Times best-selling author Kimberly Snyder and Jon Bier, wise old Chilla Gorilla teaches his young friend Lanky Lemur how to use his heart’s wisdom to transcend intense emotions, such as frustration, anger, and fear, in order to experience harmony, tranquility, and joy.
The one simple saying that can help kids navigate big feelings
Simple tips to teach children to meditate
Meditation can be FUN: Six tips to help your kids be mindful but have fun while doing it
Heart-Based Living and Family Wellness:
What is heart-based living, and why is it so needed today?
The beauty in slowing down: tips for creating a sense of calm and relaxation for the whole family
Simple everyday ways to increase PEACE and JOY in your family
Starting Meditation for Kids:
At what age should kids start to meditate?
Why has meditation been so challenging, and how does Chilla teach differently and more effectively?
About the authors: Kimberly Snyder is a multiple-time New York Times bestselling author, spiritual and meditation teacher, international speaker, nutritionist, and holistic wellness expert. She has authored six books, which have been translated into several languages, including “Radical Beauty,” which she co-authored with Deepak Chopra, and “You Are More Than You Think You Are: Practical Enlightenment for Everyday Life.”
Jon Bier is a serial entrepreneur, strategist, angel investor, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Jack Taylor, a full-service public relations and communications agency. Jon is a bar-admitted, non-practicing attorney who lives in California and Hawaii with his wife, Kimberly, and their two boys.
‘Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio’ is the new children’s book by Lucille Newton Cascos about a father and son opossum. Photo: Amazon
Children’s books are magical portals to worlds where imagination knows no bounds. From the whimsical tales of talking animals to fantastical adventures in far-off lands, these books ignite curiosity and foster creativity. Vibrant illustrations breathe life into characters, captivating young minds and sparking endless wonder. Through stories of friendship, bravery, and discovery, children learn valuable lessons about empathy, resilience, and the power of imagination. Whether it’s the comforting familiarity of bedtime stories or the thrill of exploring new realms, children’s books serve as timeless companions on the journey of growing up, leaving an indelible mark on both hearts and minds.
Brownsville native Lucille Newton Cascos has a new children’s book that centers around a young opossum named Tikito titled “Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio: Father and Son’s Life Lessons of a Brownsville Native Opossum Who Dared to Dream.” I attended a book signing she had on Friday at Surge Mobile Physical Therapy in Olmito. Lucille took the time to sign copies of the book and take pictures with guests and children. There was a costumed opossum greeting visitors and entertaining the children and guests were treated to fruit, cheese, and other snacks. The atmosphere was celebratory and cheerful as those in attendance were excited to have a book all about a common sight in the valley, an opossum. The author is looking forward to more book signings in area schools and libraries and confirmed that there could be more books in the future as a series.
The book is recommended for older children and is both entertaining and educational. It has colorful illustrations and plenty of reading comprehension words to help young readers improve their language skills. The glossary of vocabulary terms in the back comes in handy in case there’s a word or two they need to look up. The story is poignant and inspiring and explores the themes of family, culture, and the importance of being true to yourself. Thank you, Lucille, for shining a light on this often misunderstood marsupial. Congratulations – it was a pleasure meeting you.
“Tikito el Tlacuachito del Barrio” aims to make learning fun and engaging for children around the world, introducing them to animals, cultures, and the Spanish language. By combining these elements, Lucille hopes to inspire a sense of discovery and foster curiosity and a love for learning in young readers.
Tiko and his rascally son, Tikito, live in the alleyways of Brownsville, Texas, where they escape the assault and dangers of the outside world. Having lived among humans, Tiko tries to shield his young son against the treachery around them, ultimately sharing the life lessons Tikito will need to survive. (Amazon, 2024)
For Kids Ages 7-9, 10-12. Grades 2-8 Educational, 70+ Target Reading Comprehension Words
“As the seasons changed, Tikito always remembered one thing that stuck in his head from all of his father’s wisdom: even within a short time, everyone can leave a lasting impact and create a legacy worth remembering.”
With Tikito and author Lucille Newton CascosAuthor Lucille Cascos with TikitoSnacks for guests
Dog Man: The Musical 2023 Off-Broadway Cast. L-R: L.R. Davidson, Crystal Sha’nae, Brian Owen, DeShawn Bowens, Jamie LaVerdiere, Dan Rosales. Photo: Jeremy Daniel, used with permission.
The Majestic Theatre will present TheaterWorksUSA’s NY Times Critic’s Pick, Dog Man: The Musical based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey. Dog Man: The Musical will be presented on January 25 and 26, 2025 at The Majestic Theatre in San Antonio, TX. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online (Majestic Theatre, 2024)
Based on the worldwide bestselling Dog Man book series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime?? Find out in this epic musical adventure featuring the hilarity and heart of beloved characters from Dav Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants. Recommended for ages 5+.
“Dog Man: The Musical surpasses my highest expectations. It is the ‘Perfect Mash-up’ of memorable music, humor, and love.” – Dog Man creator Dav Pilkey
Dog Man: The Musical has a book and lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila, and music by Brad Alexander, with original direction and choreography by Jen Wineman, scenic design by Timothy R. Mackabee, costume design by Heidi Leigh Hanson, lighting design by David Lander, and sound design by Emma Wilk.
TheaterWorksUSA has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. At TWUSA, we believe that access to art—and theater, in particular—is vital for our youth. Since 1967, the 501(c)3 not-for-profit has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 140 original plays and musicals.
The Historic Majestic Theatre is located at 224 E. Houston Street in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Texas. Built in 1929 by John Eberson for Interstate Theaters, the Majestic was intended to be the most modern building in South Texas and was the first in the state to be totally air-conditioned.
The Majestic remains one of the finest examples of atmospheric theaters ever built, receiving National Historic Landmark status in 1993. The Majestic Theatre is home to the Broadway in San Antonio series, along with a variety of live entertainment experiences. For more information visit the Majestic Theatre.
SA Examiner 