"The Man Who Lived In A Hat" is a whimsical tale of a man who lives in a hat and a wish-granting ant name Sadie. It begins..."There once was a man, who lived in a hat. Don't ask. Things happen." In exchange for not zapping her with bug spray, Ant Sadie gives the man everything he wants, including his own wrestling team, a hot tub, and as many bagels as he can eat. But, what happens when the man gets too greedy?! Hmm....
2. SR: Do you consider yourself a multi-cultural author? You do books with a bilingual content.
JL: In "The Spirit of Tio Fernando/A Day of the Dead Story," Nando remembers all he liked about his favorite uncle. He listens as his mother tells him that later, at the cemetery, they will meet with Tio Fernando's spirit. All day, as Nando enjoys the celebration, he wonders just how he will recognize the spirit of Tio Fernando...
This is published in a bilingual format. Teachers and librarians all over the country use the book as a teaching tool. Over 50, 000 copies have been sold. This book will be featured on a Spanish variety radio program in St. Louis, Missouri, in April, called "Enterate."
"Abuelito Eats With His Fingers" is also used in educational multi-cultural curriculums. The first lines are: "I don't like to visit Abuelito. Water leaks out of his eyes. His cheekbones are too high, his nose is too big and his eyes are too small. He smells like green library soap or sometimes like fried bananas. Abuelito eats with his fingers." This is a favorite of grandparents and will also be showcased on the above-mentioned radio show.
3. SR: "Finding The Right Spot: When Kids Can't Live With Their Parents," is published by the American Psychological Association. I noticed there is a question and answer section written by social workers and psychologists.
JL: It's a story for all kids who can't live with their parents, regardless of the circumstances. It's about resilience and loyalty, hope and disappointment, love, sadness, and anger, too. It's about whether life is fair, and wondering what will happen tomorrow, and talking about all of it. And finally, it's about what makes the spot you're in feel right. It's a thinking book for a good reader. Additionally, it's used by social workers, psychologists, guidance counselors in their practices, people involved with adoption and foster care, and makes a good addition to both classroom and public libraries. The main character explains: "Aunt Dane takes care of kids like me when their real parents can't. Like when your mom loses her job and can't pay the rent and drinks too much and gets sick so you stay home from school to take care of her. That's what happened to me." Watch the television show, "Reading Rainbow," on January 5th - Finding The Right Spot will be featured!
