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Universal Theme of Love
Bella & Chantey: Mama Wants a Blue Mushroom follows a pig and her macaw sidekick as they set out on a rainforest adventure to find a rare mushroom. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
We work with the Ngäbe people who live on the Comarca or reservation where I had the story take place. The children do not have children’s books per se, and I wanted to write some stories for them and include their environment.
What is it that draws you to write children’s literature?
I love to watch young children learn about new places, different countries, and people in the world. I also enjoy seeing children being entertained and laughing over stories. I place educational material in the backmatter of my books to educate the children besides giving them an entertaining story. I also try to have a universal theme of love, family, or learning experience that children can see themselves in or identify with the story.
The artwork in your book is wonderful. What was the collaboration with illustrator César Meléndez like?
César is excellent to work with. He has unique ideas for illustrations and is very realistic in his drawings. He has emotions in animal faces and does a fantastic job with water scenes. He asks for suggestions and always asks if they are ok. An excellent fit between author and illustrator- we think alike.
Can fans expect to see more adventures featuring Bella and Chantey? What are you currently working on?
I am working on a chapter book with main characters from the Ngäbe Comarca, Double Trouble on the Comarca. Benny the Boa is an adapted Ngäbe folklore story, which is almost completed, and yes, a second book with Bella and Chantey, also taking place on the Comarca.
I had some people from a nearby church ask if I could write a children’s bible story picture book, so I have done that, and it is currently at a traditional editor to see whether they will accept it. Another editor I work with said if it’s not accepted, go ahead and self-publish it because she likes the story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Bella & Chantey: Mama Wants a Blue Mushroom
Bella & Chantey: Mama Wants a Blue Mushroom is a quirky jungle adventure with a heartwarming twist. It’s the story of Bella, a determined little pig, and her macaw sidekick, Chantey, as they embark on a mission to find a special blue mushroom for Bella’s mother’s birthday. The journey takes them through the lush, mysterious rainforest of the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca, past a grumpy black panther, and into the fantastical Land of Mushrooms. Along the way, they encounter colorful creatures, tricky riddles, and challenges that test their courage.
What I loved most about this children’s book was its charm. Bella’s personality shines through, especially with her dramatic “oh dear” moments. Like when she nervously tackles a suspension bridge blindfolded or builds a raft to cross a river because she can’t swim, each scene feels relatable and funny in that “overcoming your fears” kind of way. Chantey’s witty remarks, like reminding Bella to stop eating every mushroom in sight, add just the right amount of humor. It’s these little interactions that make their friendship feel so real and delightful.
The illustrations by César Meléndez absolutely stole the show for me. The rainforest scenes, with vibrant plants and exotic animals like giant anteaters and purple snakes, are nothing short of magical. The pages where they finally find the indigo milk cap mushroom, with its vivid blue “bleeding” juice, are amazing. The art pulls you into this lush world and adds so much depth to the story. Honestly, I found myself flipping back just to soak it all in again.
One thing that caught me by surprise was how the story introduced cultural elements, like the reference to Urracá, a Ngäbe warrior. It’s such a thoughtful way to teach kids about history while keeping the tone light and adventurous. Plus, there’s a handy mushroom facts section at the end, which is both fun and educational. Did you know some mushrooms glow in the dark? It’s clear that the author wanted this book to be more than just a story. It’s a window into the beauty of Panama’s rainforest and the importance of respecting nature. What makes this book even more special is that it’s a bilingual story, with text in both English and Spanish, making it a fantastic way for kids to learn or enjoy two languages while diving into Bella and Chantey’s adventure.
I think this picture book is a gem. It’s perfect for kids who love adventure and animals, and it’s a great pick for parents who want a story that sparks curiosity about the environment and other cultures. I’d recommend it for bedtime reading or as a fun gift for young explorers.
ASIN : B0BSRCVF16
Miss del Río: A Novel
In Miss del Rio, Barbara Mujica masterfully reimagines the life of Mexican film star Dolores del Rio, as seen through the eyes of a Mexican immigrant, Maria (Mara) Amparo. Set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution, the novel captures both the sweeping history of a nation and the intimate experiences of two women from starkly different backgrounds. Mara, orphaned and forced to flee her home, finds refuge in Mexico City, where she becomes entangled with the politically influential Madero family. Meanwhile, Lola (María de los Dolores Asúnsolo López-Negrete), born into wealth, sees her privileged life upended by the chaos of the revolution when she is assaulted by a revolutionary servant. The two women, brought together by war, are later separated but find a way to reconnect as their lives take divergent yet intertwined paths.
Mujica excels in portraying the brutality of this war-torn period, immersing readers in the violence and upheaval of early 20th-century Mexico. The visceral imagery—graphic depictions of bodies littering the paths of both characters—leaves a chilling impression, intensifying the novel’s historical atmosphere. The fast-paced narrative keeps readers engaged, especially as Mara’s sympathetic, slow-growing character contrasts with Lola’s evolution into a glamorous figure in both Mexican and American culture.
Dolores del Rio, the novel’s central figure, is introduced through the lens of Mara’s perspective, which adds depth to the storytelling but also presents certain challenges. One of the strengths of Miss del Rio is Mujica’s ability to vividly bring to life both the historical context and the complex emotional journeys of her characters. The Mexican Revolution is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing presence that shapes every decision and action. Mujica’s portrayal of class distinctions, especially through Mara’s eyes, adds depth to the narrative. I felt a genuine empathy for Mara’s struggles, as she navigates her own sense of worth while watching Dolores ascend to fame. The contrast between Mara’s life of hardship and Dolores’ life of glamour is stark, and the author handles it with a delicate touch. There are moments where the narrative structure falters. The shifting perspectives between first and third person can be confusing, particularly when switching between Mara’s personal recollections and the more detached, third-person account of Dolores’ life. While I appreciate Mujica’s ambition in telling the story from multiple angles, the lack of clear transitions made it hard to stay fully immersed in certain parts of the book. Mujica excels in creating an emotionally charged atmosphere, especially in her depiction of relationships. The bond between Mara and Dolores feels real and deeply rooted, even when tested by time and circumstance. Dolores’ glamorous yet troubled life contrasts beautifully with Mara’s grounded and often heartbreaking reality.
Miss del Rio is a rich, engaging novel that blends historical fiction with a deeply personal narrative. Barbara Mujica paints a vivid picture of both revolutionary Mexico and the golden age of Hollywood, capturing the complexities of friendship, fame, and identity. While the book occasionally struggles with its perspective shifts, the emotional core of the story remains strong. Fans of biographical fiction will also appreciate Mujica’s thoughtful portrayal of Dolores del Río’s life.
Pages: 428 | ASIN : B09P1NH1WQ
Ghost of the Rio Grande
Ghost of the Rio Grande, by Don Allen Holbrook, is a riveting historical fiction novel inspired by true events, shedding light on the complex interactions between Americans and Mexicans in the early 1900s. Set in 1915, the story centers on Fabriciano Garcia, a cattle herder living in South Texas, whose life takes a dramatic turn during a tumultuous period of land disputes and cultural clashes.
Fabriciano’s troubles begin when a notorious land grabber, William Johnson, covets his land. During a confrontation, Fabriciano kills one of William’s rangers to protect his community, forcing him to flee to avoid certain retaliation. Leaving behind his beloved wife, Manuela, and their children, Fabriciano embarks on a journey of survival and resistance. On his journey, Fabriciano saves François LaBorde from an assassination attempt, forging a strong bond between them. Fabriciano soon becomes involved with a group of cattle rustlers, earning a reputation for his cunning and ability to evade capture. Known as “The Ghost,” he becomes a legendary figure, adept at avoiding his hunters.
Together, François and Fabriciano play crucial roles in thwarting Germany’s plot to incite a war between Mexico and the United States during World War I. Fabriciano emerges as a fascinating character, embodying the qualities of a family man, a romantic, a brave protector, and a loyal friend. His unwavering commitment to protecting his people, regardless of whether they are family or not, makes him a compelling hero. The novel effectively portrays the hostility between Mexicans and Americans, especially along the Texas-Mexico border, where territorial disputes were rampant. Through Fabriciano’s eyes, readers gain insights into the historical events that shaped North America’s history.
Holbrook’s storytelling is fast-paced and engaging, with events unfolding rapidly to keep readers hooked. The character development is robust, and the exploration of historical context adds depth to the narrative. The book is not only entertaining but also enlightening, providing valuable historical insights into World War I and the intricate dynamics between the countries involved.
Ghost of the Rio Grande is a captivating novel that offers a blend of adventure, history, and rich character portrayals. It is a highly recommended read for anyone interested in historical fiction that both entertains and educates.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0BMCSKYRK
LITERARY TITAN 