SATA
ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: The Coquies Still Sing
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://www.karinanikole.com/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY: United States
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
ADDRESS
CAREER
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews Aug. 1, 2022, review of Gonzalez, Karina Nicole: THE COQUIES STILL SING. p. NA.
Publishers Weekly vol. 269 no. 40 Sept. 26, 2022, , “The Coqufes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding.”. p. 67.
Publishers Weekly vol. 269 no. 49 Nov. 23, 2022, , “The Coquies Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding.”. p. 12.
Karina Nicole González spent her childhood between New Jersey and Puerto Rico. She is an educator and speech-language pathologist for NYC public schools, where Karina uses storytelling as a tool for language development with her elementary school students. Karina lives in Brooklyn with her partner, Aaron. She is the author of The Coquies Still Sing, illustrated by Krystal Quiles.
My name is Karina and I’m a bilingual speech-language pathologist (MS, CCC-SLP, BE) and children’s book author. Currently, I work with school-age children at a school in Brooklyn, NY. While targeting students’ storytelling skills through therapy, their boundless imaginations inspired this dream to write picture books of my own.
My debut book, The Coquíes Still Sing / Los coquíes aún cantan, was published on August 23rd, 2022 by Roaring Brook Press/Macmillan. I’m represented by Charlotte Sheedy of Sheedy Lit. I’m also a member of SCBWI, PB Sunrays, Diverse Dreamers, and Las Musas.
Q&A With Karina Nicole González, The Coquíes Still Sing
August 23, 2022 by JoAnn Yao
By Tiara C. Allen
Today we’re pleased to welcome Karina Nicole González to the WNDB blog to discuss picture book The Coquíes Still Sing, illustrated by Krystal Quiles and available in both English and Spanish on August 23, 2022!
Co-quí, co-quí! The coquí frogs sing to Elena from her family’s beloved mango tree—their calls so familiar that they might as well be singing, “You are home, you are safe.” But home is suddenly not safe when a hurricane threatens to destroy everything that Elena knows.
As time passes, Elena, alongside her community, begins to rebuild their home, planting seeds of hope along the way. When the sounds of the coquíes gradually return, they reflect the resilience and strength of Elena, her family, and her fellow Puerto Ricans.
the coquíes still sing english cover art
What inspired you to write this book?
A multitude of factors, but primarily my love for Puerto Rico. When Hurricane María passed though in September 2017, my Abuela, who lives alone, didn’t have electricity for 6 months. Imagine that. Not once did she even consider leaving her casita or Puerto Rico. My Abuela and her neighbors took turns cooking for each other with the realization that no organization or government entity would swoop in and resolve their needs. To this day, almost 5 years since the hurricane, there are still some families with a blue tarp for a roof. Part of my intention in writing this story was to offer a corrective to awful stereotypes and mischaracterizations of who Puerto Ricans are and what they experienced after Hurricane María.
How did you begin crafting the characters for this story? Which character did you resonate with most while writing?
I knew early on in the drafting process that I wanted to write about a family, yet I wanted to present a family structure that we often don’t see in picture books: a widowed father, a grandmother, and two children. Many children are raised by single parents or grandparents, and I wanted to depict that in a picture book.
Each character is courageous in their own right. I loved the nurturing relationship that Elena had with her sweet doggie, Luna, and how they were each other’s companion through it all.
What was the easiest part to write? What was the most difficult?
Writing about a traumatic hurricane was a major challenge. Perhaps the most difficult scenes to write were the scenes leading up to and during the hurricane because it’s critical to strike a balance between creating an honest depiction versus causing the reader significant emotional distress. However, I do believe picture books can be cathartic not just for children, but also for the adults who read with them.
The easiest scene to compose was the last scene because it was my initial concept for the story—that the resilience of the flora and fauna of Puerto Rico mirrors the resilience of the Puerto Rican people.
Did you have a favorite line, scene, or part to write? What is it?
At night, our neighborhood is without light.
Yet, we can see the moon and the stars more clearly than ever.
I hold onto what I have—
My smile,
my community,
and my family—
because my roots are strong.
These lines aren’t from the last scene of the book, but they express the essence of the story’s underlying message.
You mentioned that you spent your summers in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico with your grandmother. What is your favorite memory of summers with her? Have any of the memories you have with her made it into this book?
Just like in the opening scene of this picture book, when Elena plucks ripe mangos from the roof of her home, my grandmother would let me climb the ladder to the roof of her casita and collect mangos using a straw basket with a super long handle. The memory of shaking the tree branches with the basket, and moving quickly to catch them all, is one of the most vivid memories of my childhood. After collecting the mangos, I’d present them to my grandmother and she would incorporate them into a delicious fruit juice with guava, passionfruit, and pineapple. When I began writing this story, I knew that I wanted to begin it there: on the roof, admiring the mango tree.
I loved the illustrations for this book, especially the shifting of the color palettes to represent the storm, then rebuilding, and, finally, a new Puerto Rico that has come out stronger than ever. What was it like to work with the illustrator?
Before The Coquíes Still Sing was acquired by Roaring Brook Press, I wandered into StoriesBK in Park Slope, Brooklyn looking for picture books for my students in October 2019. While inside, I noticed The ABCs of AOC on the center table and saw the name, Krystal Quiles, on the cover. This might sound corny, but her name felt familiar, like the name of a friend. Soon after, we discovered that we’re the same age and only lived a few blocks away from one another. Krystal understands why I write and conveys the same love and compassion for the world in visual form that I convey with words. Becoming friends with Krystal has been and will always be the greatest personal outcome of this project.
the coquíes still sing author pull quote
What was the publishing process like for you as a debut children’s book author?
As a kid, my parents taught me that opportunities don’t simply land on our laps. Instead, we must create the opportunity, forge the path, and accept the challenges that will arise during the journey, as they always do. When I had the idea for The Coquíes Still Sing in 2018, I followed my parents’ advice and created the opportunity myself, which is challenging in an industry that’s sometimes tilted to celebrities. I remember feeling dejected after receiving rejection emails from editors, along with comments that my story was “too specific” or not “global” enough. Through all of the tears and uncertainty, I reminded myself that this story would find a home one day with the right team—and it did! Luisa Beguiristaín and Connie Hsu at Roaring Brook Press welcomed this story into their publishing world, and made sure that this book would be released in both English and Spanish! I learned a tremendous amount about publishing and editing from collaborating with them.
In the author’s note, you mentioned that you were a bilingual speech pathologist, and saw a need for books in your practice that would not only help your students with speech but also reflected their cultural experience. Have you been able to see the impact of having books in your workplace that reflect your students’ experiences? What was that like?
I never wanted to be a writer as a kid, and I wasn’t able to conceptualize how people turned it into a career. Moreover, I struggled to connect with books throughout elementary school. Visualization is a significant component of reading, and it can be tough for a child to visualize scenes without prior knowledge on the subject or first-hand experience to comprehend the text. During my first year as a bilingual speech-language pathologist at an elementary school, I sought out contemporary picture books that reflected not only racial diversity but also stories that centered families from a working class background. Mi Papi Tiene Una Moto/My Papi Has a Motorcycle, by Isabel Quintero, was a favorite amongst my students because many of them have fathers who work in construction or ride motorcycles and bikes. They immediately connected to the text, and of course, were drawn in by Zeke Peña’s delightful illustrations. That was a major lightbulb moment. Early reading experiences are so important because educators and parents can cultivate a love for reading by simply presenting stories that resonate with children..
As someone who has been both the educator looking for diverse books and the author writing a book from their own perspective, do you have any advice for educators seeking out diverse picture books for their students?
Contemporary picture books are expensive, especially when building a classroom library. I recommend scoping out a book in a store or a library before purchasing since educators are only allotted a limited budget for school supplies. I also recommend having an diversity of narrative styles in your classroom library. Wordless picture books are also an excellent tool for narrative development, especially among children with language disorders or children who are learning English. A great resource for seeking out diverse books is none other than We Need Diverse Books! Also, Social Justice Books, Children’s Book Council, and Las Musas!
What do you hope readers, both young and old, take away from this story?
I hope that this story cultivates a deep love for humanity and the environment. I want Boricuas to feel proud when they hold this book because it’s also a love letter to them. I also hope that this story promotes greater awareness about the coquí frog, and inspires others to join conservation efforts.
Where would you like to go next in your publishing career?
I adore the picture book genre, so I’d like to keep writing picture books and possibly one day, a middle grade novel. In my opinion, picture books, compared to other genres, can have the greatest impact on a community because they are not typically read in solitude. More often, they are read between parent-child or teacher-small group/class. Shared reading not only fosters bonding and social connection, it can also foster community engagement.
Are there any books you would like to recommend?
My favorite author is Eduardo Galeano, and his collection of short stories, El Libro de Los Abrazos/The Book of Embraces, was the first book that I read that fully captured the spectrum of human behavior and emotion. His perfectly constructed stories inspired a curiosity for storytelling that I never had before. I still read the book once a year, and each time I notice a detail or experience a new feeling from a story that I didn’t feel the year before.
Mangos are a motif in this story. Do you have a favorite way to eat mangos?
Sloppily! When ripe, mangos are a messy fruit! Like Elena in The Coquíes Still Sing, I don’t bother being precious with it because it will drip all over my hands and face, and probably my shirt.
******
karina n. gonzález author headshot photoKarina N. González is a bilingual speech-language pathologist at an elementary school in Brooklyn, NY and author of the forthcoming picture books THE COQUÍES STILL SING/LOS COQUÍES AÚN CANTAN (Roaring Brook Press, 2022) and THE CHURRO STAND (Cameron Kids, 2024). Karina has an AAS in Textile Science from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Brooklyn College. Karina resides in Brooklyn, NY and Aguadilla, PR with her partner.
González, Karina Nicole THE COQUÍES STILL SING Roaring Brook Press (Children's None) $18.99 8, 23 ISBN: 978-1-250-78718-7
The sounds of returning coqu� frogs bring hope after a devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico.
Elena, a child, lives with their abuela, pap�, and younger brother in an idyllic tropical home. The mango tree in the yard provides sweet fruit and shade, and the coqu�es sing their song in the garden every night. Disaster comes in the form of Hurricane Mar�a, which makes landfall on Elena's island. Howling winds and rain pummel the family's home and devastate the landscape. The storm is harrowing, but the family makes it through. Elena's beloved mango tree has been severely damaged, and "the coqu�es' song is silent." Elena and their neighbors work to rebuild their homes and community. Elena processes the numerous losses they have experienced and waits patiently for the coqu�es to return. When the mango tree begins to sprout new buds, Abuela reminds Elena how strong they are. When the coqu� song again rings out, Elena knows that even though their home is forever changed, some things will always remain the same. This is a poignant family story that details a real-life tragic event and the courage of its survivors. Gonz�lez's melodic text sings, like Elena's beloved coqu�es, while Quiles' gouache and acrylic artwork pops with vibrant hues and textures. Elena has brown skin and wavy brown hair. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A heartfelt reminder that even in the most difficult times, dreaming of a better tomorrow strengthens family and community. (glossary, information on Hurricane Mar�a, author's and illustrator's notes, list of organizations devoted to conservation and biodiversity efforts) (Picture book. 6-10)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Gonzalez, Karina Nicole: THE COQUIES STILL SING." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Aug. 2022, p. NA. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A711906333/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=a2efa853. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.
The Coqufes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding
Karina Nicole Gonzalez, illus. by Krystal Quiles. Roaring Brook, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-250-78718-7
One family's resilience amid disaster is the soaring note in this full-throated tribute to Puerto Rico's survival following Hurricane Maria. At sunrise, amid the rural lushness of the child's mountain home, narrator Elena climbs atop a corrugated roof to pick from Abuela's mango tree, its fruit, writes Gonzalez, "the sweetest snack." "And when night falls, a song fills the air"--the serenade of the coqui frogs--to which Elena responds, "Co-qui, Co-qui. Oh, how I love thee." That love proves sustaining as a hurricane tears the roof from the family's house and defoliates the countryside. The family emerges, "wet and scared, but we are alive," in a picture book that centers garden as gathering place, "where seeds of hope are planted." Quiles communicates abundance, joy, and loss through expressive brushwork: the jewel-toned gouache and acrylics, finished digitally, produce detailed, almost-pluckable mangoes, while rough strokes depict the coming-apart of the fabric of daily life. Endnotes convey the larger message: selfdetermination for Puerto Rico. Available in English and Spanish editions. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"The Coqufes Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding." Publishers Weekly, vol. 269, no. 40, 26 Sept. 2022, p. 67. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A721347774/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=2fe7a086. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.
The Coquies Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding
Karina Nicole Gonzalez, illus. by Krystal Quiles. Roaring Brook, $18.99 (40p) ISBN 978-1-250-78718-7
One family's resilience amid disaster is the soaring note in this full-throated tribute to Puerto Rico's survival following Hurricane Maria. At sunrise, amid the rural lushness of the child's mountain home, narrator Elena climbs atop a corrugated roof to pick from Abuela's mango tree, its fruit, writes Gonzalez, "the sweetest snack." "And when night falls, a song fills the air"--the serenade of the coquf frogs--to which Elena responds, "Co-qui", Co-qui. Oh, how I love thee." That love proves sustaining as a hurricane tears the roof from the family's house and defoliates the countryside. The family emerges, "wet and scared, but we are alive," in a picture book that centers garden as gathering place, "where seeds of hope are planted." Quiles communicates abundance, joy, and loss through expressive brushwork: the jewel-toned gouache and acrylics, finished digitally, produce detailed, almost-pluckable mangoes, while rough strokes depict the coming-apart of the fabric of daily life. Endnotes convey the larger message: self-determination for Puerto Rico. Available in English and Spanish editions. Ages 4-8.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2022 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"The Coquies Still Sing: A Story of Home, Hope, and Rebuilding." Publishers Weekly, vol. 269, no. 49, 23 Nov. 2022, p. 12. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A728493696/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=63443b8d. Accessed 11 Mar. 2023.