VIVA NOLA SEPTEMBER 2020

to teach kids about these animals
and their environments, and
about the reasons why some are
in danger of extinction, along with
deforestation in the Amazon forest.
Where did the idea for “Guillo,
el armadillo” come from?
It is inspired by my students. In
my twenty-plus year journey as
a Spanish teacher, I have always
enjoyed using projects to enhance
my student’s learning experiences.
One of my favorite activities is
called “Mi Talento” (My talent).
Here students need to teach their
classmates and teacher something
they know how to do well. Most
of my students loved to show off
their talents, but there are always
a couple of children who seem
intimidated by the challenge.
When talking with them, they
would tell me “I don’t have a talent.
What can I teach?”. This puzzled
me. Guiding these students in the
process and then seeing them
empowered by the discovery of
their talents is what inspired me to
create “Guillo, el armadillo”.
What makes “Guillo, el
armadillo” a special book?
Its empowering message: to
believe in yourself and discover
your unique talents. As a teacher,
I wrote it thinking about those kids
who are learning the language.
Thus, the vocabulary is simple and
repetitive, enabling children to
remember it easily.
This is a book specially designed
so a child with basic knowledge
of the language can understand
it. This enables the educators
to teach in context and to
elaborate as the child progresses.
Finally, parents that do not
speak the language have found
the vocabulary intuitive, which
together with the illustrations, has
enabled them to understand the
story.
The book’s illustrations are fun
and eye-catching. Inspired by
Panamanian “molas” (colorful
fabric panels made by the local
Kuna women), and the work of
Uruguayan artist Carlos Paez
Vilaró, the animals are full of
detail and intricate shapes. Yet,
there is a simplicity to them. The
backgrounds are reminiscent of
something that young children do
a lot: cut and paste. This tissue
paper collage gives the illustrations
a nice 3D effect.
Finally, there is a guide to
accompany the book, which
comes with lesson plans,
printables, project ideas, and
guiding questions.
How have teachers and
parents reacted to your books
so far?
“Omar, el jaguar” has become an
asset in many teachers´ curricula
during this pandemic.
Also, several parents that were
now teaching their kids at home
considered it as an option
to help their kids continue
practicing their Spanish.
When will “Guillo” be
available?
I am doing a crowdfunding
campaign from September 15th
till October 15th to get funds to
finish editing this book and print
it. This is a costly process, so I
need help.
This campaign is an “all or
nothing”. This means that if I
don’t meet my desired goal,
then the project does not get
funded and I won’t be able to
print my book. But what I like
about it is that people do not just
give money to a cause; they get
to purchase exclusive rewards.
For example, they can pre-order
signed copies of the book for less
including shipping; they can get
a class package that includes an
author virtual visit, etc. It is a great
way to get help and at the same
time give back.
Where can people join this
campaign?
I invite those interested to
subscribe to my website
www.cuentacuento.com
for information about the
campaign. I also give my
subscribers first dibs into the
rewards and they get opportunities
to participate in discounts and
giveaways.
I can also be reached at andrea@
cuentacuento.com.