Today we’re thrilled to reveal the covers for Churro Stand/El Carrito de Churros by Karina N. González, illustrated by Krystal Quiles! The book was designed by Melissa Nelson Greenberg and will be released on April 16, 2024 in both English and Spanish by Cameron Kids. Preorder it in English here or in Spanish here.

Keep scrolling for exclusive notes from both author and illustrator, as well as a look at the full jacket art for both covers!

On a hot summer’s day, Lucía and her brother accompany their mother to sell delicious, sugary churros on the bustling streets of New York City. But when a thunderstorm rolls in, and the customers are chased away, Lucía’s mother must improvise with a little bit of magic and lots of amor. Inspired by the author’s relationship with her own mother, this heartwarming picture book celebrates love, community, and the POP, SIZZLE, and CRUNCH of a perfect churro.

*

A word from the author:

While on my way home after work, I noticed a mother selling churros inside a Brooklyn subway station with her daughter clutched to her side. In that moment, I saw my mom and me. I remembered accompanying my mother to work on holidays and weekends without understanding that she worked extra hours to pay for my beloved dance classes. Although small in stature, my mother is a giant force of positivity in my life and the inspiration of this story. Despite juggling multiple jobs during my childhood, traces of exhaustion on her face were hardly evident. She maintained a steady flow of energy and determination to face the daily demands of life as a mother and underpaid social worker.

Here in New York City, I recognize her zeal in the multitude of workers who build the city up and keep bellies full while often going unnoticed and unappreciated. On most city blocks, you will cross paths with a food vendor who is ready to prepare a delicious plate of food or delightful snack for you at an affordable price. In fact, according to the Street Vendor Project, there are more than twenty thousand street vendors in New York City, many of whom work in unsavory working conditions. They stand on their feet for hours at a time on blustery winter days and sweltering summer nights. Churro Stand was written to honor the magical heroism of working parents, grandparents, and guardians. May they be celebrated and recognized for their sacrifices. Mami, although I didn’t turn out to be a dancer, I hope to move through life as gracefully as you. — KNG

A word from the illustrator:

As a child, I cherished my pink patent leather change purse, which I’d carry with me to every school recess. Gathering with my friends by the chain-link fence, we’d debate over the best icy flavors: rainbow or cherry? My choice, however, was always coco. Clutching my purse tightly, I feared my precious coins might slip away as the line inched forward, crossing the sidewalk grate. The delicious coco treats symbolized dulce moments from my upbringing in the vibrant city of NYC, where a street vendor’s hustle could become a child’s sweetest treasure.

These fond memories and experiences became the driving force behind the illustrations of The Churro Stand. I layered painted textures and various drawing mediums, creating a dreamy palette that you can almost taste. My hope is that this visual snack will leave the reader craving more—more rights for street vendors, more moments shared with those they love, and, of course, more churros! — KQ

******

Karina Nicole González is a bilingual speech-language pathologist at a preK-8 school in Brooklyn, NY and author of the Pura Belpré Honor Book The Coquíes Still Sing / Los Coquíes Aún Cantan (Roaring Brook Press, 2022) and forthcoming picture book Churro Stand/El Carrito de Churros (Cameron Kids, 2024). Karina has an AAS in Textile Science from the Fashion Institute of Technology and a MS in Speech-Language Pathology from Brooklyn College. Karina resides in Brooklyn, NY and Aguadilla, PR.

Krystal Quiles is originally from the Bronx, now working as a freelance illustrator based in Brooklyn. She received a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor for her work on The Coquíes Still Sing and has a BFA in Communication Design from Pratt Institute. This is her first book with Cameron Kids.