Brooklyn-based sisters and early childhood educators, Natalie and Jessenia Rios, immerse children into the Dominican Republic’s cultural values and traditions in their first self-published children’s picture book “Travel con Lola”. Available now for $14.99 on littlelolatots.com and Amazon.com.
The book, written in Spanglish and with the character’s first destination being the Dominican Republic, is inspired by the authors’ childhood memories of summer spent in their home country and their desire to make the world more accepting through cultural exploration. “We want kids to grow up knowing that it’s okay to have differences and accept those of others.” said Jessenia, co-author.
Lola, the main character of the book is a brown, Spanish and English speaking girl, who travels to the Dominican Republic to visit her abuela (grandmother). “Travel con Lola” transports children to the island through beautifully curated words, vibrant colors and magical illustrations. Lola has an adventurous spirit and loves to explore local attractions in Santo Domingo, try traditional food and meet family members.
The two sisters and co-authors are hoping to empower children within their community but also children of all backgrounds, all ethnicities, and all ages, open their minds to new cultures, traditions and languages. “Travel con Lola to la República Dominicana” is about family, diversity and togetherness. “Representation allows children to see themselves in a story and dream bigger, aim higher, and travel further.” said Natalie, co-author and single mother of two.
About The Authors
Jessenia and Natalie Rios are first-generation Dominican American sisters raised in New York City and currently living in Brooklyn. The first-time, self-publishing authors are also co-founders of little Lola & tots, a cultural and educational play space in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn since 2017. One of their most popular enrichment classes, also called Travel con Lola, inspired this first book. For more information, visit www.littlelolatots.com.
About The Illustrator
Jonathan Valdez was born and raised in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States when he was 13 years old. Jonathan is an amazing artist who was able to make the authors’ vision a reality and create such vivid imagery that brought Lola to life.
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