Raúl Colón

Books by This Author

Draw!

Age Level: 6-9

A boy named Leonardo begins to imagine and then to draw a world afar—first a rhinoceros, and then he meets some monkeys, and he always has a friendly elephant at his side. Soon he finds himself in the jungle and carried away by the sheer power of his imagination, seeing the world through his own eyes and making friends along the way. Based on his own childhood, award-winning artist Raúl Colón’s wordless book is about the limitless nature of creativity and imagination.

Orson Blasts Off!

Age Level: 6-9

Join Orson and his sidekick, Weasel, on a hair-raising adventure where they touch the North Pole…watch the eye of a storm wink…and fall through a black hole in outer space. Readers (but maybe not their parents!) will be amazed at what can happen when a creative kid is forced away from his computer screen. Written and illustrated by Raúl Colón, this picture book is filled with delicious word-play and all the fun of a comic book.

Books by This Illustrator

My Name Is Gabito: The Life of Gabriel García Márquez

A painting of Gabriel Garcia Marquez as a young man holding a book
Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: 6-9
Language: English, Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Monica Brown tells the story of young Gabriel García Márquez and provides children with an introduction to magical realism by showing how young Gabriel’s surroundings and imagination merged in fantastic ways, fostering his creativity and building the foundation for the legendary characters and stories he would later create. Raúl Colón brings these rich imaginings to life in vivid illustrations that complement the lyrical text. Pura Belpré Honor Award.

Once Upon a Time: Traditional Latin American Tales

Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: 6-9

Product Description: From the grateful rooster who cries "Cock-a-doodle-doo!" to the awesome spirit of the Mother of the Jungle, Once Upon a Time/Habia una vez celebrates seven traditional folktales and tells them in a colorful, fresh voice. In these magical adventures that are sure to delight, readers young and old will meet some of the world's most memorable heroes and charming tricksters.

Pandora

Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: 6-9

Elegant illustrations decorate this free verse retelling of the young woman whose curiosity about the contents of a forbidden jar brought trouble into the world. A large format and limited text make this sophisticated telling more accessible.

Play Ball!

Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: 6-9

Product Description: Jorge loved the feel of the ball in his glove, the bat in his hand, and the game of baseball. Day and night he would play with his sister, his father, and his friends. At night he dreamed of baseball. When he and his mother visit New York and he sees Yankee Stadium for the first time, he knows there is only one way to get there: work hard and play ball. Based on the childhood of New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, this is the story of a boy from Puerto Rico who grew up to be a champion.

Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes

Painting of Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: Middle Grade (9-14)
Language: English

This visually stunning book showcases twenty Hispanic and Latino American men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the arts, politics, science, humanitarianism, and athletics. Gorgeous portraits by Raúl Colón complement sparkling biographies of Cesar Chavez, Sonia Sotomayor, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, and many more. Complete with timelines and famous quotes, this tome is a magnificent homage to those who have shaped our nation.

Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates

Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: 6-9

This moving tribute is the perfect introduction to Roberto Clemente. Readers will learn of his humble beginnings, the challenges he faced in a new country, and his unprecedented accomplishments as one of the greatest baseball players in history. Even more importantly, readers will come to understand the way that Clemente's generosity shaped so much of his life — and his untimely death. Raúl Colón's impressionistic yet evocative illustrations enhance the emotional impact of the text.

Sugar Cane: A Caribbean Rapunzel

Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: 6-9

Product Description: Stolen away from her parents on her first birthday by island sorceress Madam Fate, beautiful Sugar Cane grows up in a tower overlooking the sea, her only consolation her love of music. Then one night, someone does hear her song, but could this young man with a gift for music break the spell of Madam Fate and help Sugar Cane set herself free? Patricia Storace's lyrical and poignant retelling of the Rapunzel tale in a Caribbean setting is perfectly matched with Raúl Colón's lush illustrations.

The Snowman's Path

Illustrated by: Raúl Colón
Age Level: 3-6

Product Description: One moonlit night Nathan hears the snowman singing. A little afraid, but fascinated, Nathan steps out of the shadows and offers him a cookie. And a miraculous friendship begins. Raúl Colón's dazzling paintings pull readers instantly into the wondrous world of Helena Clare Pittman's captivating fantasy.

Tomás and the Library Lady

By: Pat Mora
Illustrated by: Raúl Colón

Tomás, child of migrant workers, visits the town library to find stories like the ones told by his grandfather. There he meets a librarian who provides him with a cool place, stories and books, and friendship before Tomás and his family move on to the next place. Handsomely illustrated in earth tones, this touching story was inspired by the real life of writer and educator, Tomás Rivera. Also available in Spanish.

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