Award-winning children’s author Amada Irma Pérez visited and read from her latest book. Her husband Arty Pérez performed corresponding music on the accordion.

Award-winning children’s author Amada Irma Pérez visitx and reads from her latest book

May 18, 2007
Santa Paula News
By Susan Branham Santa Paula TimesA night of devotion to family, memories and laughter welcomed local children at Blanchard Community Library recently. Award-winning children’s author Amada Irma Pérez visited and read from her latest book. Her husband Arty Pérez performed corresponding music on the accordion. “This is a very, very special program,” Ilene Gavenman, Children’s and Young Adult Librarian, said. “We are so delighted to have Amada Irma Pérez and Arty Pérez here this evening. She has written wonderful books for children. She has been a teacher for 27 years, and has been a writer since she was a little girl. It’s their first visit to our library.”“Tonight, because it is a very special night in Santa Paula, we are going to read the whole book,” Amada said. “Here is my story. I hope you like it.” She began journaling as a young girl, and has written three books. Community children were treated to her latest release, Nana’s Big Surprise – Nana, ¡Que Sorpresa! The book is written in both Spanish and English.Her book tells the story of her grandmother coming to the United States after the death of her husband of 48 years. The family prepared a very special surprise to welcome their nana and make her feel comfortable. They installed a chicken coop and stocked it with fluffy chicks. Nana suggested that caring for the chickens was a big responsibility. She explained that talking to them, telling them stories, and singing to them, will help them produce the most delicious eggs. The surprise conclusion delighted the listeners.
Arty Pérez, who is also a teacher, played the songs from the story. The children learned of the cycle of life and how comfort is found in the love of family. “Our elders are a treasure,” Amada said. At the end of the story the children and their parents were invited to tell their own stories of their mothers and fathers or their grandparents.Amada Irma Pérez has traveled the world over sharing her books. When she left Mexico to come to live in the United States, a friend gave her a special heart-shaped stone to keep. And now she has shared her heart with the families of Santa Paula.



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