Camilo Bautista Maldonado – illustratör

The year 2020 will go down in history as the one that changed our lives. Everyone suffered during the pandemic crisis, many lives were lost, some too close to us, and families experienced chronic sadness in their shared struggle. People immersed in their own sorrows and sometimes forgot about the loved ones besides them, especially the young ones. De Aqui y de Alla: The Twins is a testament on focusing on the good around us in the face of adversity. Julian and Ana Marie, the beloved Venezuelan- Puerto Rican twins of Arepas y Piononos, turned four years old in the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The illusion of having a birthday party never vanished because their mom promised them two surprises despite social distancing guidelines. The book is written in both English and Spanish for beginner readers and showcases how creativity in challenging times can bring family and friends together no matter how far they live. The book s colorful illustrations are conversation starters about places in the world, its flags, how to overcome the distance imposed by a pandemic and share the love.