Nydia Armendia-Sánchez – författare

What lies behind the brilliant colors and intricate patterns of a traditional Mayan tunic? A Guatemalan girl reveals the ways a handwoven garment connects her to generations of women before her. Together, the threads in my huipil hold a message, tell a story of who we are. Of who I am. A young girl proudly wears a colorful tunic, or huipil, that features the sun’s reflection. It symbolizes the lake she lives on, a design she sometimes embellishes with shimmering sequins and beads. Her abuela’s huipil highlights zigzag mountains to stand for her home of origin, while her sister’s boasts butterflies like the ones that she rides in her daydreams. Indigenous to Mesoamerica, huipils use colors, imagery, symbols, and motifs to evoke everything from the wearer’s village to her social status, from her cultural heritage to the things that she loves. Combining a poetic text with vivid cut paper and digitally painted illustrations, interwoven with patterns from the huipils, this captivating book ends with an author’s note exploring the history and process of this rich tradition, and the challenges of keeping it alive.

"An excellent tribute to a cultural art form that should be featured in all picture book collections." —School Library Journal (starred review)¿Qué hay detrás de los colores brillantes e intricados diseños de una túnica tradicional maya? Una niña guatemalteca revela las maneras en que una vestimenta tejida a mano la conecta con generaciones de mujeres antes que ella. What lies behind the brilliant colors and intricate patterns of a traditional Mayan tunic? A Guatemalan girl reveals the ways a handwoven garment connects her to generations of women before her. Juntos, los hilos de mi huipil guardan un mensaje, y una historia sobre quiénes somos. Sobre quién soy yo. Una muchacha luce con orgullo una colorida túnica o huipil, que incluye el reflejo del sol. Simboliza el lago donde vive, un diseño que ella a veces realza con relucientes lentejuelas y cuentas. El huipil de su abuela destaca montañas serpenteantes que simbolizan su tierra natal, mientras que el de su hermana está adornado de mariposas, como las que ella monta en su imaginación. Los huipiles son autóctonos de Mesoamérica, y tienen colores, imágenes, símbolos y detalles que evocan desde la aldea de donde proviene la que lo viste hasta su estatus social, desde su herencia cultural hasta las cosas que ama. Este cautivante libro combina un texto poético con brillantes recortes de papel e ilustraciones pintadas digitalmente, entretejidas con patrones de los huipiles. Termina con una nota del autor donde relata la historia y el proceso de esta rica tradición y el reto de mantenerla viva. Together, the threads in my huipil hold a message, tell a story of who we are. Of who I am. A young girl proudly wears a colorful tunic, or huipil, that features the sun’s reflection. It symbolizes the lake she lives on, a design she sometimes embellishes with shimmering sequins and beads. Her abuela’s huipil highlights zigzag mountains to stand for her home of origin, while her sister’s boasts butterflies like the ones that she rides in her daydreams. Indigenous to Mesoamerica, huipils use colors, imagery, symbols, and motifs to evoke everything from the wearer’s village to her social status, from her cultural heritage to the things that she loves. Combining a poetic text with vivid cut paper and digitally painted illustrations, interwoven with patterns from the huipils, this captivating book ends with an author’s note exploring the history and process of this rich tradition, and the challenges of keeping it alive.

A lyrical and inspiring picture book about the life of Frida Kahlo—told through the language of flowers—and how she blossomed into a celebrated, beloved artistMultiple starred reviews! "A soaring, enticing tribute to a strong and distinctive artist." (School Library Journal starred review)Told through the language and imagery of the native Mexican flowers and plants comes the life of acclaimed and beloved artist Frida Kahlo. Like a flower, Frida blossomed, wilted, was crushed, survived, and thrived, growing into one of the most celebrated Indigenous painters.This poetic and empowering picture book, written by Nydia Armendia-Sánchez and illustrated by Pura Belpré Honor awardee Loris Lora, features the very flora Frida grew in her garden, bought at the market in her hometown, painted in her famous portraits, and wore proudly in a crown around her head.Back matter includes a labeled, illustrated guide to all the flowers and plants featured, an author’s note, and an activity for kids to make their own flower crown!Like a seed / Frida sprouted /And burst through the earth where / the coyotl once foraged.Coyoacán was the place where Frida grew.