The Storyteller's Candle

Written by Lucia Gonzalez · Illustrated by Lulu Delacre

A librarian transforms a cold city into a warm community through storytelling.

4.0 Goodreads · 482 ratings

32 pages· 730L

$11.95Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1929, cousins Hildamar and Santiago feel lost in New York's chill, far from Puerto Rico. Enter Pura Belpré, a librarian whose storytelling magic turns the library into a vibrant community hub. As Three Kings' Day nears, can her tales bring warmth and belonging to these young hearts? Discover how one woman's vision bridges cultures and languages, making the library a beacon of hope.

From the publisher

Bilingual English/Spanish. A bilingual biography of Pura Belpré, New York City’s first Latina librarian. The winter of 1929 feels especially cold to cousins Hildamar and Santiago–they arrived in New York City from sunny Puerto Rico only months before. Their island home feels very far away indeed, especially with Three Kings’ Day rapidly approaching. But then a magical thing happened. A visitor appears in their class, a gifted storyteller and librarian by the name of Pura Belpré. She opens the children’s eyes to the public library and its potential to be the living, breathing heart of the community. The library, after all, belongs to everyone–whether you speak Spanish, English, or both. The award-winning team of Lucía González and Lulu Delacre have crafted an homage to Pura Belpré, New York City’s first Latina librarian. Through her vision and dedication, the warmth of Puerto Rico came to the island of Manhattan in a most unexpected way.