Hi there! How’s your Friday going so far? Are you excited for the weekend? Here we are actually in the middle of a cross country move, so to be honest I’ve kind of lost track of the days. Moves can be grueling.
We weren’t able to take many books with us on the move, since most of them are packed. I let my kids pick a few books each to read along the way. I packed a few of my favorites as well! So for this week’s What We Read this Week Review we read one of my favorites: Me llamo Celia, My name is Celia Cruz: The Life of Celia Cruz, written by Monica Brown and illustrated by Rafael López, published by Cooper Square Publishing.
This book is super special to me. As a first generation Cuban American, Celia Cruz’s beautiful songs and incredible performances were big parts of our culture, and we loved listening to her gorgeous salsa music around the house. My Abuelita had the opportunity to meet her at an event, and said that she was as kind as she was glamorous.
As soon as I opened the colorful pages of this book, I immediately noticed the lovely illustrations. They channel the spirit of Celia Cruz, transporting readers into her world of music, joy, dance and family. The vivid colors make it easy to delve into the story and connect with Celia as she discovers the power of her own voice, overcoming obstacles imposed upon her by society because of the color of her skin. The powerful narrative takes us from Celia’s hometown of Havana, Cuba, to her rise as the “Queen of Salsa.” The book discusses the concept of cultural identity, as Celia embraces her Afro-Cuban heritage, creating gorgeous music and staying true to her passion despite the hardships in her life.
Celia Cruz’s passion for music shines through from every image, inspiring readers to explore their own creative pursuits and find happiness in self-expression. The prose transmits the beat of Celia’s music and allows the reader to experience the excitement she inspires. With her famous cry of “¡Azúcar!” Celia lived her life with tremendous passion and deep love for her art. Even now, years after her death, she remains just as important and beloved a symbol of the power of the human spirit and the joy found in the beat of a drum.
I highly recommend this lovely book, especially if you have kids interested in music! Music transcends time, place, languages, and barriers to touch the hearts and the spirits of those who connect with it. Celia’s life was a true celebration of her passion for music, and I love reading anything about her!
How about you? Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it? I hope that you’ve had the opportunity to listen to Celia’s joyful music, and if you haven’t, definitely take a moment to look it up, you won’t regret it!
Wishing you a fantastic Friday and a safe, joyful weekend, we love you!
-Colorful Swans Press 🦢
Colorful Swans Press 