62
August 3 – 16, 2013
Arts
www.SanTanSun.com
Chandler author wins International Latino Book award BY ALISON STANTON
Albert Monreal Quihuis, a Chandler children’s book author, recently learned that his first book, “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day,” won second place in the category of Best Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book in English at the 2013 International Latino Book Awards. Quihuis was able to accept his award in person at a ceremony that was held at the Instituto INSPIRED BY HIS PAST: Cervantes in New York. Chandler author Albert The book, which was Monreal Quihuis used his own published in November experiences making tamales 2011, is about a young at Christmastime to help him write his first children’s book. girl named Sofia who Submitted photo was asked one year by her grandmother to be in charge of making the family tamales for Christmas. With the help of Pepe, Sofia’s funny talking parrot, she learns the importance of bringing her family together while learning to make tamales. Writing “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” was a very personal experience for Quihuis, who recalls being told by his own mother year after year that it was time to gather together with other family members to make tamales at Christmastime. “Every year my mom would say, ‘OK everyone, it’s time to make the tamales.’ And when mom said this, we
would all do it,” Quihuis says. “After many years of making Christmas tamales it hit me; I finally realized that this was our family tradition and I wanted to write about this family experience.” While his mother, Sophie, and his father, Albert, knew Quihuis was in the process of working on his first book, they both passed away before “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” was published. “After they passed away, completing the book became extremely important to me,” Quihuis says, adding that he dedicated the book to both of his parents for the love and support they gave him his entire life. Another reason Quihuis was inspired to write “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day,” was based on his own experience as a father. He recalls spending hours reading story books to his kids, and says he realized how important it is to teach and educate children at a young age. When the book, which was illustrated by Susan Klecka, was published, Quihuis says he traveled throughout Chandler, Tempe, Phoenix and Guadalupe reading it to elementary school classes. “I always started by saying that when I was their age I did not like reading, writing, spelling and phonics, but as I got older I realized how important it was, so I encourage everyone to learn everything they can and always do their best.” Through his book, Quihuis says he also hopes that young children will understand the importance of family traditions and n knowing where they came from, so they can be proud of who they are. Quihuis enjoyed writing about Sofia C O M M UN I C AT I O
and Pepe so much, that he wrote a second book about the duo, titled “In Search of the Lost Art of Making Tortillas,” which was published in October 2012. A third book, also starring Sofia and Pepe, is scheduled to be completed this October. Quihuis says he was thrilled to learn that “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” was nominated for the award. “I truly felt that being a finalist made me a winner, but learning that my first book was awarded second place was a true honor,” he says. “This adventure started out as a tribute to my mother and father and our family tradition has become a series for children. The event was a wonderful experience, and I’m fortunate to have met such great people and passionate authors from all over the world.” “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” is available through Amazon.com, through winmarkcom.com/sofiastamales. htm and locally at Sibley’s West, 72 S. San Marcos Pl., in downtown Chandler. The store is hosting a “Meet the Author” signing for him from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Fri., Aug. 16. For more information, call 480-899-4480. A Alison Stanton is a freelance writer w who lives in the East Valley. She can be re reached at Alison@SanTanSun.com.
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Your Family Connection
Story by Albert
Monreal Quihuis Klecka
Illustrated by Susan
AWARD WINNER: “Sofia’s Awesome Tamale Day” recently won second place in the category of Best Latino Focused Children’s Picture Book in English at an awards ceremony held in New York. Submitted photo