Sundays on Fourth Street / Los domingos en la calle Cuatro

Written by Amy Costales
Illustrated by Elaine Jerome

Publisher: Arte Publico Press/ Piñata Books
ISBN 9781558855205
Category Picture Book
Published 30 Nov 2009
Bind Hardcover
Pages 32
Age Group 4-8

This bilingual picture book for children is a tender tribute to time spent with family

“My cousin Pepe combs my hair back just like his, and Aunt Pilar laughs. Then she slides her red lipstick across my lips, but Mamá wipes it off because I’m too young. Mamá puts on her new jeans, and Aunt Pilar polishes her high heels. Uncle Armando finishes washing his old car.” And then, a young girl and her family pile into the shiny car, grown-ups in the front, and kids in the back, and head to Fourth Street.

Sundays spent on Fourth Street are magical, family outings that three young cousins eagerly anticipate. Strolling down Fourth Street with their parents, the children encounter a bustling wonderland filled with music, food, and fun.

The cousins savor sharp bursts of flavor from mangos on a stick covered with lemon, chili and salt; delight in the sight of folk dancers spinning in the plaza; revel in rides and raffles at the church carnival; and yearn for clothes and toys they see in shop windows. While the children may not get the things that so often catch their attention, they can always look forward to more fun together next Sunday on Fourth Street.

Based on real-life visits to Fourth Street in Santa Ana, California, author Amy Costales has written a story that pays homage to a special street and—more importantly—time spent with loved ones. Paired with Elaine Jerome’s colorful illustrations that depict lively street scenes, readers of all ages will enjoy Sundays on Fourth Street.

AMY COSTALES is the author of three other bilingual picture books for children: Abuelita Full of Life / Abuelita llena de vida (Luna Rising, 2007), Hello Night / Hola noche (Luna Rising, 2007), winner of the International Latino Book Award, and Lupe Vargas and Her Super Best Friend / Lupe Vargas y su super mejor amiga (Luna Rising, 2006). She has taught Spanish all over the world and currently lives with her family in Eugene, Oregon.

ELAINE JEROME is the illustrator of The Woodcutter’s Gift / El regalo del leñador (Piñata Books, 2007). She studied at the Academy of Art in San Francisco and currently resides in northern California.