Buscando a Bongo - by Eric Velasquez

About the Book

"When a boy's abuela accuses him of being careless with his beloved Bongo, he devises a trap and catches the toy thief red-handed"--

Book Synopsis

Where could Bongo be? Help a young boy find his beloved toy--and figure out how it got lost to begin with.

Eric Velasquez's cozy and playful story is now available in Spanish.

The boy knows Bongo was right there with him this morning. But now, Bongo is missing. He asks his whole family if they've seen the stuffed toy. "Yo no sé," says his abuela. "I don't know."

Mamá and papá haven't seen him either. And Gato just meows and runs away.

When he finds Bongo, the boy is thrilled--but he still doesn't understand how his toy ended up there. So that night, he sets a trap to catch the Bongo thief. . . .

Eric Velasquez's detailed, expressive illustrations follow the boy's investigation throughout his home, giving readers a glimpse of a warm, multi-generational familia Afro-Latina.

Review Quotes

★ "Thoughtful attention to detail is seen throughout, with nods to the family's Afro-Caribbean heritage and love for music and art found in the background. . . . Much-needed representation and a universal problem make this sweet, family-centered tale a must for Spanish-language picture book shelves."--School Library Journal, Starred Review

About the Author

Eric Velasquez's awards include the John Steptoe / Coretta Scott King Award for new talent, a Pura Belpré Award, an NAACP Image Award, and a Carter G. Woodson Award. For Holiday House, he wrote and illustrated Octopus Stew (Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year), and he illustrated Ol' Clip-Clop: A Ghost Story by Patricia C. McKissack (Anne Izard Storyteller's Choice Award Winner, Georgia Children's Book Award, Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year--Outstanding Merit) and New Shoes by Susan Lynn Meyer (Jane Addams Peace Association Children's Book Award, Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year, New York State Reading Association Charlotte Award). The son of Afro-Puerto Rican parents who encouraged music and storytelling, Eric grew up in Spanish Harlem, New York. He teaches illustration at the Fashion Institute of Technology and lives in New York.