 |
|
|
|
|
Carlito the Coquí: Welcome Marisa! We’re all very happy you could make it to this special interview.
(The
rain forest friends and Armando gather around to listen to the interview).
Marisa: Thank you, Carlito. I’m honored to be here
with you, Armando, and the rain forest friends. [Carlito the Coquí
offers Marisa her favorite flavored piragüa (pee-rah-gwa)
(snow cone)].
Marisa: Thank you Carlito, I just love cherry!
Carlito the Coquí: Please tell me a little bit
about your new children's book entitled There’s
a Coquí in My Shoe!
Marisa:
It's an educational and entertaining book for children of all ages about
Puerto Rico’s beloved frog, the Eleutherodactylus coquí
(pronounced E-loo-thearo-dak-till-us co-kee), and about
the color and culture of Puerto Rico, including one of Puerto Rico’s
favorite pastimes, eating piragüas.
Carlito
the Coquí: What was your motivation for writing There’s
a Coquí in My Shoe!?
Marisa: One day I went to Barnes & Noble
Bookstore and had a difficult time finding books for children
written about Puerto Rico. As I continued my research,
I also discovered that there were not many children’s authors of
Puerto Rican descent. Since this was the case, as a Puerto Rican I felt
it was important to contribute a good book to all children about Puerto
Rico and to display our culture in a positive fashion. And voila! the
birth of There’s a Coquí in My Shoe! came
into world.
Marisa: I believe it’s because I have given life and a name to Puerto Rico’s beloved amphibian and that, of course, is you Carlito. You now have a personality and a name and children all over the world can learn about your unique qualities. You are a very special Puerto Rican tree frog, Carlito. I also sprinkled the story with education, rhyme, entertainment, and friendship. There are also hidden objects in the book for children to find. The book is bright, cheerful and colorful just like the Puerto Rican people. There is also a delightful surprise waiting for children toward the end of the story. I wanted to write a story that had meaning and purpose behind it, and this is evident by the endorsements I received to my research, to the characters in my story, and to the historical, geographical and environmental references I mention. I wanted to capture and showcase Puerto Rico’s friendly people, vibrant culture, and you Carlito!
(It starts to rain and Carlito the Coquí hands the author an umbrella).
Carlito
the Coquí: What is the delightful "surprise"
awaiting children in the storybook?
Marisa: All that I can tell you right now, Carlito, is
that the British Library and I partnered together to have a device incorporated
into the book. I’m sorry, Carlito, but it wouldn’t be a surprise
for you or the children if I tell you now!
Carlito
the Coquí: How long did it take you to write the book?
Marisa: I wrote the story in two months and that was
about two years ago. I would make it a point to research, brainstorm,
and write for at least 30 minutes a day. I enjoy the creativity of writing.
I would picture the scenes and places in my head and then transforming
these images into words and onto paper is a challenge that I enjoy.
Carlito
the Coquí: Marisa, you have over a dozen endorsements
ranging from Puerto Rican celebrities to individuals
holding office in Puerto Rico such as the Mayor,
the Speaker of the Puerto Rican House of Representatives, the
President of the Puerto Rico National Olympic Committee, etc.
to a school teacher, principal, and professor in children’s literature,
the Department of Education in Puerto Rico among others. How did you get
all these wonderful endorsements?
Marisa: I wanted to create a children's storybook classic
that has excellent illustrations and an excellent
story. For me, great illustrations and a great storyline
are an essential combination. Originally, there were no pictures
to go along with the story even though this is a children’s picture
storybook. I did not have an illustrator at the time. People were giving
me their impression based on my writing. The very first celebrity to whom
I forwarded my manuscript was the ageless and talented Rita Moreno.
Ms. Moreno is the first woman to break all barriers in the film, TV and
stage arenas (winning an Oscar, Tony, Emmy, and Grammy) for an endorsement.
She made it easier for today’s Latin actresses to appear in movies,
stage, etc. She once said, “Yes, we do exist, we do
have value.” I greatly admire and look up to her as
I do Jose Feliciano, Juan “Chi Chi”
Rodriguez and Pedro “Cuban Pete” Aguilar.
I was thrilled when they all responded and said they loved the story.
Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez stated, “If
you really want something and you’re prepared to work hard for it,
then little by little, one by one, miracles will happen.”
I give God all the thanks for these miracles that He is doing.
(Vita, the Puerto Rican parrot, cawed at Carlito the Coquí and Marisa: “Marisa we also want to thank every person that endorsed your book. We love them all.” The rain forest friends and Armando sing a song of thanks).
Carlito
the Coquí: Can you tell us some more about the illustrations?
Marisa: The original illustrations were done using Widsor
& Newton watercolors with prisma color detail on 140 1b. cold-pressed
Arches watercolor paper by artist Tanja (pronounced Tanya)
N. Bauerle. Tanja has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Animation
from the Art Institute of Phoenix, AZ. Tanja was born outside of Munich,
Germany and lived in Australia. She presently resides in Arizona. The
vibrant colors of Puerto Rico are displayed on every page. I wanted this
book to be visually impressive as well. Tanja and I worked very well together,
and this is Tanja’s first picture book.
Carlito
the Coquí: Marisa, you give thanks to Dr. Rafael
L. Joglar in your book. Who is Dr. Joglar?
Marisa: Dr. Rafael L. Joglar, of the
University of Puerto Rico, is a leading authority
on you Carlito, the Eleutherodactylus
coquí ,
and other Puerto Rican coquí species. I congratulate him for his
30 years of research and study on all 16 species of Puerto Rican coquíes,
and I thank him for his expert advice regarding the correct colorings
and markings of the frogs shown in my book. The accuracy of the coquíes
mentioned in my book could not be possible without his consultation and
research. Bravo Dr. Joglar! Some people may know that these tiny and elusive
frogs struggle daily to survive in their environment. The threatened and/or
in danger of extinction status of some of the coquí species is
the result of pollution, hurricanes, and deforestation. There is a strong
possibility that Puerto Rico has lost three species of coquí frogs
already, and further studies indicate that Puerto Rico will lose more
if nothing is done. In light of this crucial fact, I have decided that
a certain amount of proceeds from the sale of There’s
a Coquí in My Shoe! will go to Proyecto Coquí
(see http://www.cnnet.clu.edu/procoqui/eng/books.html.
I support Dr. Joglar and his research at Proyecto Coquí.
One of Proyecto Coquí’s many goals is to develop
a program of environmental education to orient and exhort the public to
a more active participation in the protection and conservation of our
wildlife and areas of ecological importance. Dads and Moms, if you’re
listening, your child will gain a better understanding of Carlito and
his family’s will to survive. How sad it would be if we never heard
the song of the coquí again. So let’s join together to help
our friend, Carlito the Coquí, and his family today.
Carlito
the Coquí: What’s your favorite scene in the story?
Marisa: Well Carlito, it’s difficult for me to
say which scene I favor the most. I love every illustration in the book,
all 52 of them! As
author and art director, it was very important for me to capture our beautiful
culture for children to enjoy for generations to come. I
love the orchestra scene depicting some of the instruments used
in Puerto Rican dance. There is also an awesome scene where I
depict the six coquíes threatened and/or in danger of extinction,
the Old San Juan scene is also beautiful depicting the
cobblestone streets and Spanish, pastel homes. There are also great scenes
wherein some of the celebrities gave me their permission to be illustrated
in the book. In addition, I also appreciate and thank Chi Chi
Rodriguez for giving me permission to illustrate his signature
white fedora throughout the story.
Carlito
the Coquí: What do you hope to accomplish through this
book?
Marisa: My mission is to entertain and educate
children of all backgrounds, not only through this book, but through a
series of books about Puerto Rico and its Island mascot, the Eleutherodactylus
coqui. Kids can learn about Puerto Rico’s
geographical, environmental and historical references mentioned in the
books. I desire that Puerto Rican children create a sense of belonging
and pride in their heritage, and strengthen their image as Puerto Ricans.
There are many Puerto Ricans who have made significant contributions to
the arts and humanities. I want to deliver exceptionally high quality,
hard cover children’s picture storybooks for every child to enjoy.
Carlito
the Coquí: Marisa, I can’t wait to read about all
the adventures I’ll be in in your first book, There’s
a Coquí in My Shoe!, and your upcoming books! Thank
you for this interview.
Marisa: Your welcome, Carlito. Viva Puerto Rico!
Viva Carlito the Coquí!
(The author, the rain forest friends, and Armando, after eating their piragüas, decide to take a splashing jump into one of the nearby shallow pools).
Carlito the Coquí speaks to his listeners: “Kids, Dads, and Moms, Armando and I will be visiting your home soon, and I can’t wait to share with you Marisa’s unforgettable books, and my unforgettable call. Good night!"
THE END (for now!)
Maybe
YOU would like to interview the author! Marisa welcomes inquiries.
Simply email her at info@carlitothecoqui.com.
©Copyright
2004, Marisa De Jesús Paolicelli. All rights reserved.
All characters in There's a Coquí
in My Shoe!™ are
original characters, © copyright Marisa De Jesús Paolicelli.
All rights reserved.
Web design and more by Skloy™