Coquí in the City

Written and illustrated by Nomar Perez

A boy discovers unexpected connections between Puerto Rico and New York City.

4.1/5 Goodreads · 483 ratings

32 pages· 761 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Miguel moves from Puerto Rico to New York City, leaving behind his beloved pet frog, Coquí, and cherished family. Overwhelmed by the new environment, Miguel and his mother explore the city, uncovering familiar sights that remind them of home. As Miguel navigates this new world, he learns that the essence of Puerto Rico can be carried in his heart, bridging the gap between his past and present. Will Miguel find a way to keep his roots alive in this bustling metropolis?

From the publisher

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, Coquí, is always with him: as he greets his neighbors in San Juan, buys quesitos from the panadería, 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 Coquí behind. Life in New York City is overwhelming, with unfamiliar buildings, foods, and people. But when he and Mamá 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 Coquí–wherever he goes.

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