Marisa de Jesus

Publisher Announces Release of Marisa’s New Children’s Book & Book Signing!

admin — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 13:41:22 +0000

HOORAY! Our new children’s book, “Lightkeepers to the Rescue!” is finally here! Thank the Lord! I receive many inquiries asking, “When is the release of your next book?” or kind comments such as “We can’t wait for the next one!” I am thrilled to share with everyone of you “Lightkeepers to the Rescue!”. All good things take time, and I believe that you will agree after reading “Ligthkeepers to the Rescue!” Our new illustrator for this book is Susan E. Daly who resides in New Jersey. Susan is also a muralist. She was a delight to work with and her beautiful illustrations are simply incredible!

What a wonderful book! Marisa has captured us once again with this new and exciting tale . . . Children of all ages will enjoy reading “Lightkeepers to the Rescue!” over and over again as they lose themselves in the colorful illustrations . . . Thank you, Marisa, for bringing Puerto Rico a little closer to everyone!”
- Erik Estrada (Star of TV Hit Series CHiP’s)

There’s a Coqui in My Shoe! is one of El Yunque National Forest’s best selling children’s book.

admin assistant — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:33:42 +0000

Thanks so much to the entire staff at El Portal Bookstore, which is located in El Yunque National Forest, for their wonderful support of There’s a Coqui in My Shoe! The award-winning children’s book is one of El Yunque’s best sellers.

Entering El Yunque National Forest.

There's a Coqui in My Shoe! on display at El Portal Bookstore in El Yunque.

A spectacular view of El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico!

Children’s Literature Blog reviews There’s a Coqui in My Shoe!

admin — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:51:54 +0000

Thank you very much Karen Zapata for your awesome review of There’s a Coqui in My Shoe!

Children's Literature Blog reviews There's a Coqui in My Shoe!

That’s How God Works!

admin — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:11:10 +0000

My sincerest thanks to Mark Reccek and the Bethlehem Press for their wonderful write up during my visit to Northeast Ministry in Bethlehem, PA. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mark!

The Lehigh Valley Chapter of Executive Women’s International (EWI) and Northeast Ministry (NEM) get together to hold this year’s Reading Rally.

admin — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 03:54:57 +0000

Stephen Godbolt, Executive Director of NEM, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and Laura Basara, President of EWI Lehigh Valley Chapter coordinated this year’s Reading Rally at NEM. The theme was “Spring Into A Good Book!” How appropriate that “There’s a Coqui in My Shoe!”, featuring Carlito the Coqui frog, was selected for reading time! The EWI is committed to encourage community involvement and family literacy programs. The NEM is a non-profit social service agency serving the needs of disadvantaged youth and families for more than 30 years! Every child present was treated to a rare, signed first edition of “There’s a Coqui in My Shoe!” and included a free bookplate for each child to personalize their books. A free bookmarker was included in the book, too! The first edition books were donated to NEM by the publisher, Chi Chi Rodriguez Books, and the author. In keeping with the “frog” theme, the Bethlehem Housing Authority (BHA) contributed and purchased small frogs encased in water filled plastic cubes with colored stones on the bottom. The children were eager to show their parents the frogs, books, and Just Born goodie bags. Thanks to everyone involved in helping with the Reading Rally. We all had a super day!

In center, Laura Basara, President of EWI Lehigh Valley Chapter and Stephen Godbolt, Executive Director Northeast Ministry, with EWI workers and volunteers at the Reading Rally. Thank you, everyone, for your warm welcome! It was wonderful to meet you and thank you for supporting " There's a Coqui in My Shoe!"

Stephen Godbolt, Executive Director of Northeast Ministry and Clara Kendy, Executive Director of Bethlehem Housing Authority support the multi-award winning book. Thank you Stephen and Clara for your continued encouragement and support!

Teaching the children at Northeast Ministry the layers of the rainforest and the rainforest song!

An inquisitive youth at the Northeast Ministry Reading Rally, asking serious questions about writing a book!

Award Acceptance at the 10th Annual International Latino Book Awards

admin — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:08:28 +0000

Hi everyone! Here is a short clip from The 10th Annual International Latino Book Awards held in Los Angeles, California announcing the winners from the Children’s Book and Young Adult categories. A “special and sincere thanks” to my dear friend, Robert Rivera, who was so nice to accept the award on behalf of Chi Chi Rodriguez Books. Robert passed away earlier this year. He will definitely be missed!

The San Juan Community Library celebrates National Library Week with There’s a Coqui in My Shoe!

admin — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 09:12:49 +0000

A fun time was had by all during the San Juan Community Library’s Annual BBQ and its Celebration of Library Week. The barbecue was a big hit and so was There’s a Coqui in My Shoe! My sincerest thanks to every volunteer that helped make the event a huge success! I recently received this quote from the Executive Director, Connie Estades: ”We are so honored to have had you here in person at our library to read your book during National Library Week. During this past week, I recommended your book to a child looking for something to read. She then informed me that she had read your book and was able to tell me the story! It was really touching to watch this little girl’s face as her enthusiasm for your book was very compelling. We are ready and waiting for your next one!!!”

Connie Estades, the Executive Director of the San Juan Community Library in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Connie did such a remarkable job in organizing the event. God bless her compassion and her zeal for children to excel. She has a heart of gold!

Thank you, Sylvia, for all your hard work behind the scenes and making everything run smoothly as well as all the volunteers! Sylvia Olmos is a Charter Board Member of the San Juan Community Library.

The children had a blast singing along with San Juan Community Library's Music teacher, Maria Elisa Cintron, and friends.

Original artwork from There’s a Coqui in My Shoe! purchased by children’s storybook collector, Professor Emeritus J. Robert Dornish!

admin — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:03:27 +0000

Professor Dornish has sought out the best in children’s literature and began collecting signed first editions about 33 years ago. His AMAZING collection includes original artwork from the world’s best known illustrators such as Jerry Pinkney, Tomie De Paola, Robert Sabuda and others. Caldecott and Newberry Award winners also grace his collection. Dr. Dornish loved There’s a Coqui in My Shoe! and was drawn to two original paintings from the children’s storybook. His final decision was the historic Casa Rosa (Pink House) illustration. The Casa Rosa was built in Puerto Rico in 1812 for the Spanish Army. A recent exhibition of Dr. Dornish’s collection was held at Pennsylvania’s Sharadin Gallery.

You can read a bit more about Dr. Dornish and his collection here: http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/4aa/4aa564.htm

An original painting of Puerto Rico's historic Casa Rosa (Pink House) from the children's book, There's a Coqui in My Shoe!, makes its home in the private library collection of Robert and Alice Dornish! Dr. Dornish takes great care in choosing the perfect matte and frame for each original piece. I can't wait to see what he'll put together for this piece.

Robert and Alice Dornish attend a Border's book signing, where first editions of There's a Coqui in My Shoe! sold out.

U.S. Congress Honors Chi Chi Rodriguez

admin — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:09:34 +0000

GREAT NEWS!!! U.S. CONGRESS has passed House Resolution 1430.IH on December 1, 2010, honoring and saluting Chi Chi Rodriguez’ commitment to Latino youth programs. Thank you, Chi Chi, for your commitment, too, in publishing There’s a Coqui in My Shoe! CONGRATULATIONS CHI CHI! WE LOVE YOU!!!

House Resolution 1430 Honoring Chi Chi Rodriguez

Chi Chi meets with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor during his visit to the Whitehouse.

Read here to find out more

There’s a Coquí in My Shoe! wins 1st Place in Animation Category (Children’s book into movies award)!

admin — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 02:01:20 +0000

There’s a Coquí in My Shoe! has won its 3rd Award!: The Latino Book into Movies Award presented by The International Latino Book Awards. Latino Literacy Now has created this new, stand-alone literary competition within the framework of its International Latino Book Awards. Latino Literacy Now would love to see more movies being produced that star Latinos and feature Latino themes, realizing that many movies start with a great book.

The awards were presented during the weekend of October 9-10, 2010, in Los Angeles, California, at the Latino Book & Family Festival. There’s a Coquí in My Shoe! won in the animation category. Judges for these awards included screenwriters, playwrights, producers, and other entertainment industry professionals. Judges suggested Oscar Winner Rita Moreno and Grammy Winner Jose Feliciano for the voices of this movie. There’s a Coquí in My Shoe! will be distributed to pertinent Motion Picture Studios, Producers, and Agents. Previous awards for There’s a Coquí in My Shoe! include Best Educational Children’s Book – English (Winner) and Best Children’s Picture Book – English (2nd Place).

Marisa’s 1st Place Win in the Animation Category is celebrated by her best fans! Thanks so much!

Marisa meets Edward James Olmos (Actor, Director, Community Activist, and Producer of the Latino Books & Family Festival) prior to the awards being announced at the Golden Eagle Ballroom, California State University, Los Angeles, CA

A group photo of the book to movies awards winners with Award Presenters Edward James Olmos, Kirk Whisler and Dennis Hernandez, in Los Angeles CA.