Coquí in the City by Perez, Nomar

A heartfelt picture book based on the author-illustrator's own experiences, about a boy who moves to the U.S. mainland from Puerto Rico and realizes that New York City might have more in common with San Juan than he initially thought.

Miguel's pet frog, Coqu , is always with him: as he greets his neighbors in San Juan, buys quesitos from the panader a, and listens to his abuelo's story about meeting baseball legend Roberto Clemente. Then Miguel learns that he and his parents are moving to the U.S. mainland, which means leaving his beloved grandparents, home in Puerto Rico, and even Coqu behind. Life in New York City is overwhelming, with unfamiliar buildings, foods, and people. But when he and Mam go exploring, they find a few familiar sights that remind them of home, and Miguel realizes there might be a way to keep a little bit of Puerto Rico with him--including the love he has for Coqu --wherever he goes.

Author: Nomar Perez
Publisher: Dial Books
Published: 03/16/2021
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 9.80h x 9.80w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780593109038
Audience: Ages 4-8

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.6
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 514959 / Coqui in the City


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2021
Publishers Weekly 03/29/2021
School Library Journal 09/03/2021 pg. 1

About the Author
Nomar Perez was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, in the city of Ponce, and moved with his parents and five siblings to Ohio when he was ten. Nomar is heavily influenced by all types of media, most especially animation, puppetry, and computer art. He studied computer animation and painting at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and since then has worked as an illustrator on social expression products in the categories of humor, children's, and young adult. Nomar has also illustrated numerous children's board books and school publishing books. Coquí in the City is his author-illustrator debut.