Author on the Airwaves: Samuel Caraballo

Caraballo chosen as December 2012’s “Author of the Month” on Houston Public Media

Houston Public Media radio host Eric Ladau interviewed Caraballo for its website’s “Arte Público Press Author of the Month” feature, and along with the transcript, their conversation is available to listeners on the station’s interactive site through on-demand audio streaming here.

Click here to see all Arte Público authors featured on Houston Public Media.

About the Author:

SAMUEL CARABALLO, a native of Vieques, Puerto Rico, is the author of four previous children’s books: Estrellita en la ciudad grande / Estrellita in the Big City (Piñata Books, 2008), Mis papitos: Héroes de la cosecha / My Parents: Heroes of the Harvest (Piñata Books, 2005), Estrellita se despide de su isla / Estrellita Says Good-bye to Her Island (Piñata Books, 2002) and Mis abuelos y yo /My Grandparents and I (Piñata Books, 2004).  He currently lives in Virginia with his family.

About his latest book, My Big Sister / Mi hermana mayor

In this tender, bilingual tribute to his big sister, Pablito recounts all the things she does for him while their parents are at work, sewing “jeans for the whole world.”

Anita wakes him up and makes his breakfast, “Yummy! Yum! / Hot, creamy oatmeal / topped with blueberries and raisins.” She holds his hand while walking him to the bus stop, and when the bus arrives, “I wrap my arms around her. / She tattoos a red kiss on my cheek.” Anita is there to greet him when the yellow school bus drops him off in the afternoon, and she helps him with his homework, “just like Mom and Dad.”

When Pablito’s homework is done, they go outside and play soccer. Then it’s time for dinner, a shower and a book in bed. And finally, their parents are home. “They praise my sister / because she is that big sister any brother would wish for!” And affectionate Pablito is surely the younger brother all kids want.

Caraballo’s sweet lyrical ode to an older sibling, warmly depicted by illustrator Thelma Muraida, will resonate with young children ages 3 to 7 who rely on brothers and sisters to help with meals, homework, and fun!