Books by Julia Durango

The Walls of CartagenaBy Julia Durango
Illustrated by Tom Pohrt
Simon & Schuster
July, 2008

On his thirteenth birthday, Father Pedro asks Calepino to assist him with the slaves coming into Cartagena. Although born on a slave ship, up until now Calepino has been blessed with good fortune. But soon he's fighting seasickness, living in squalor, and cursing every minute.

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“Based on real historical characters, this fictionalized account offers both well-researched detail on a buried chapter in the African slave saga and a clever young hero.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Pest FestBy Julia Durango
Illustrated by Kurt Cyrus
Simon & Schuster
Books for Young Readers
June, 2007

"Pest Fest! Pest Fest!" the Carpet Beetle barked.
"The talent show is set to go.
The bets are placed, come on make haste!
Let's start the annual Pest Fest!"

Which bug will win? The beautiful butterfly? The stunning bee? The luminous firefly?

Be our guest at the fest where the test is to find which pest is the best — or at least a better pest than all the rest!

“Young entomologists will go buggy for this book.”

– School Library Journal

Angels Watching Over Me coverAdapted By Julia Durango
Illustrated by Elisa Kleven
Simon & Schuster
Books for young Readers
March, 2007

 

All night, all day…angels watching over me. 

What better way to reassure a young child than with the words of a soft, soothing spiritual exuberantly expanded by author Julia Durango and intricately illuminated by award-winning artist Elisa Kleven.

“Utterly angelic.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Teacher's Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Cha-Cha Chimps book cover by Julia Durango
Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor
Simon & Schuster
Books for Young Readers
2006

Counting and dancing go hand in hand at Mambo Jamba's, the place where hippos hokey-pokey and meerkats Macarena and ten little chimps do the cha-cha-cha...until Mama Chimp says, "Time for bed!"

“Durango's dancing rhyme is infectious.” – Kirkus Reviews

Teacher's Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Dream Hop book cover by Julia Durango
Illustrated by Jared Lee
Simon & Schuster
Books for Young Readers
2005


Ever had a dream in the deep dark of night, that wasn't so good — that gave you a fright?
Well, here's what to do when tucked snugly in bed and not-so-sweet dreams start to play in your head...

“Durango's short rhyming couplets scan with an energetic, jaunty rhythm that amplifies the suspense and then the relief of each nail-biting dream scene.”

— Booklist

Teacher's Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

Yum Yuck! book coverA Foldout Book of People Sounds
By Julia Durango and
Linda Sue Park
illustrated by Sue Ramá
Charlesbridge Publishing,
2005

Hurray! Yupi! It's time to celebrate language!

What sounds do people make to show their feelings? And how are these sounds expressed in different languages? Look at the faces for a hint, sound out the foreign words, then lift the page for the English word.

“This original offering is a delightful addition to the canon of multicultural picture books and a fun read-aloud guessing game.”

– School Library Journal

  • Nick Jr. Magazine Best Books of 2005
  • ALA Notable Book for Younger Readers 2006
  • CCBC Choices 2006

Teacher's Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

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