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My Favorite Place To Visit
Where’s El Morro?: Rani’s adventure at Old San Juan follows a little girl and her grandfather who tour Old San Juan and see the historical landmarks. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Old San Juan has always been my favorite place to visit because to me, it symbolizes home. I have tons of cherished memories of the place, so when we moved from Puerto Rico to the US it was important to keep my children connected to it. Even though it’s a fictional story, the character of Rani represents my kids and the grandfather is a conduit to teach them all about this beautiful historical place.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The main idea was to mix colorful visuals with the background information to keep it engaging for kids. When creating the illustrations, I wanted to showcase all the different elements you admire when visiting Old San Juan. It was essential to incorporate the array of colors of the Spanish-style buildings in contrast with the old stone look of the castle, church, etc.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun illustrating?
It’s difficult to pinpoint one in particular because drawing every single element felt like being back home, but if I had to choose one, I think it would have to be the Old San Juan street (which you see at the beginning of the story and cover). It combines everything I love about the place, the buildings full of color, the cobblestone street, the ocean in the background…I even added a Puerto Rican flag for good measure!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I want to continue Rani’s adventure at Old San Juan, this time teaching her about the governor’s mansion (which you read about on the last page of the first book) however, I am currently working on a coloring book showcasing PR’s 78 municipalities. The goal is to publish three more books in 2023, all of them dedicated to my dear island of Puerto Rico.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Facebook
Rani and her grandfather are walking down a cobblestone street in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, when they overhear a tourist ask, “Where’s El Morro?” Rani’s childish curiosity is set in motion as she asks her grandfather, “What is El Morro?” And the story’s quest begins.
Help Rani find El Morro while also learning about the historic Puerto Rican city.
This book will help kids from the island or from the diaspora learn more about Old San Juan and its treasures!
Where’s El Morro?: Rani’s adventure at Old San Juan
A little girl named Rani is walking through Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, with her grandfather. She overhears a tourist ask, “Where’s El Morro?” This has her asking her grandfather questions about every sight they see on their walk. Each place they pass by has a story to tell and some significance to the city. It is a wonderful day of learning for Rani as she discovers the rich history of Puerto Rico.
Where’s El Morro?: Rani’s adventure at Old San Juan is an entertaining children’s book sharing the history of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Rani’s inquisitive nature is what you would expect from a kindergartner or preschooler as they are looking for something they have never seen or heard of before. Children will be able to relate to this learning style and follow along as they visit all the sites on their adventure to get to El Morro.
Charlene Sanchez, as well as writing this beautiful story, has given it bright and eye-catching illustrations. The fine details, especially in the architectural drawings, are sure to have children looking and asking questions. With information about landmarks, art, history, and culture, this picture book is a beautiful way to introduce children to Puerto Rico. At the end of the story, Sanchez includes a fun game that families can play together to reinforce all the places Rani visited.
Where’s El Morro?: Rani’s adventure at Old San Juan is a refreshing children’s book that teaches young readers about history and culture. There is not a dull moment in this picture book and children will love traveling through Old San Juan on Rani’s adventure with her Abuelo.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0BJTT5ZTM
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