DC Public Library and Politics and Prose are excited to welcome International Latino Book Award winner Juana Medina for a special event for Beyond the Book families.
Juana will read her newest title Elena Rides which is a fun picture book about a determined elephant. After the reading, she will share her inspiration for writing and illustrating children's stories.
Beginning readers—and beginning riders—will be drawn to this bright, buoyant story of a determined elephant and her loyal sidekick, from the award-winning creator of Juana & Lucas.
Elena wants to ride her bike. She steadies, she readies. She wobbles, she bobbles . . . KA-BANG! Learning to ride a bike is hard. But Elena can do it. She just has to try, try again. With this reassuring story of childlike persistence, Juana Medina, creator of the acclaimed Juana & Lucas series, introduces Elena, a plucky elephant, and the little red bird who is Elena’s faithful cheerleader. Simple, energetic text and bold, brilliant artwork convey a relatable tale of the ups and downs of learning something new (not without protest or tears) and the final thrill of mastery that will have children rooting for Elena and ready for her next adventure.
Juana Medina is the author and illustrator of multiple children’s books, including the chapter book series Juana & Lucas, winner of the prestigious Pura Belpré Award and two International Latino Book Awards. Juana believes in the power of stories. As someone who never found herself represented in books as a child, Juana enjoys visiting schools and libraries around the country, encouraging children to read and find power in their own personal stories.
Bilingual copies of Elena's Ride will be available for purchase and signing, and a limited number of free copies will be available courtesy of the DC Public Library Foundation. Copies will be available first come, first serve at the event only, books will not be available for pickup before or after the event on May 6.
