Monica Brown

The following children's books were written by award-winning author Monica Brown.

Books by This Author

Butterflies on Carmen Street

Young girl looks at butterflies with her grandfather
Illustrated by: April Ward
Age Level: 6-9

Julianita is excited to receive her very own caterpillar to raise at school! Yet when her caterpillar, Tiger, finally emerges from his chrysalis, Julianita doesn't want to let him go. She worries that he will get lost on his way to Mexico. "Tiger knows the way to Mexico because it's in his heart," her Abuelito reassures her. She feels sad to see Tiger fly away, but Julianita knows that someday, she will follow him to back to her grandfather's beloved homeland.

Chavela and the Magic Bubble

Illustrated by: Magaly Morales
Age Level: 6-9

Product Description: Chavela loves chomping chicle — chewing gum and blowing bubbles. One day, while out with her abuelita, she finds a mysterious kind of gum she has never seen before. She pops it in her mouth and blows a giant bubble that lifts her up into the air and carries her on a magical journey. Luscious, candy-colored paintings illustrate this fantastical story with an ecological twist. An afterword provides information on natural chewing gum, the rainforest, and sustainable farming, as well as music to a traditional Latin American folksong.

Clara and the Curandera

Illustrated by: Thelma Muraida
Age Level: 6-9

Meet Clara, a little girl who is very, very grumpy. Mami is tired of Clara's grumpy face, so she sends her daughter to the curandera — or healer — down the hall. The curandera knows just what Clara needs — to help her neighbors! Readers will cheer for Clara as she learns to focus on others rather than herself in this charming story.

Conoce a Pablo Picasso (Get to Know Pablo Picasso)

Drawing of a partially bald man in front of a canvas.with a paintbrush in his mouth.

The Spanish painter Pablo Picasso is considered one of the most important and revolutionary artists of the 20th century. More than 20,000 of his works can be admired in museums around the world. From a very young age, he showed incredible artistic talent. His father was a painter who let Pablo finish his paintings ever since he was a small boy. Pablo Picasso died in 1973, but his work continues to influence many artists today.

Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos

Illustration of Frida Kahlo painting animals as a young child
Illustrated by: John Parra
Age Level: 6-9
Language: English, Spanish vocabulary featured

Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Brown's story recounts Frida's beloved pets — two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn — and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal. 

Lola Levine #1: Lola Levine Is Not Mean!

Lola Levine Is Not Mean!
Illustrated by: Angela Dominguez
Age Level: 6-9

Lola is fierce on the field, but when a soccer game during recess gets too competitive, she accidentally hurts her classmate Juan Gomez. Now everyone is calling her Mean Lola Levine! Lola feels terrible, but with the help of her family, her super best friend, Josh Blot, and a little "pencil power," she just might be able to turn it all around.

Lola Levine #2: Lola Levine, Drama Queen

Lola Levine wearing a crown in a play
Illustrated by: Angela Dominguez
Age Level: 6-9

Seven-year-old Lola Levine is fierce on and off the soccer field. She can do a slide tackle (although she's not supposed to) and even likes gooey worms. Nothing scares Lola! That is, until she's auditioning in front of EVERYONE for her class play. After Lola is overcome with stage fright, she's cast as Squirrel #2, a non-speaking part!

Lola Levine #4: Lola Levine Meets Jelly and Bean

Lola Levine holding a cat
Illustrated by: Angela Dominguez
Age Level: 6-9

The Levines are finally getting a pet — a furry one, that is. They are excited about adopting a kitty they name Jelly, but they don't get very far in the process when Ben starts sneezing because he's allergic! Lola is devastated and sets out to find Jelly a good home. Luckily, Lola is rewarded with a very happy (and still furry) ending!

Lola Levine #5: Lola Levine and the Vacation Dream

Lola Levine and the Vacation Dream
Illustrated by: Angela Dominguez
Age Level: 6-9

Lola is named after her tía Lola, who lives in Lima, Peru. Lola misses her aunt and dreams of visiting her. After Lola's dad has a successful art show, Lola's dream comes true. The Levines are going to Peru! Thousands of miles from home, Lola and Ben discover all the new adventures Lima has to offer. But will Lola and Ben manage to stay out of trouble?

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