Joe Cepeda

Books by This Illustrator

From North to South

Mom hugging son
Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Language: Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

When Mamá is sent to a detention center in Tijuana because she doesn't have the right immigration papers, José must get used to life without her. He and his father visit Mamá at the center, where they talk about the future in which they will be together. Based on the experiences of René Colato Laínez's students, both he and illustrator Joe Cepeda strike the right balance of honesty and hope in depicting this difficult yet common situation for families along the border.

Get Ready for Gabi: A Crazy Mixed Up Spanglish Day

Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 6-9

Third grade Gabi speaks Spanish at home and English at school and sometimes "Spanglish" everywhere. Spanish and English combine naturally in Gabi's narration as the irrepressible, likable girl befriends a kindergartner who has moved from Nicaragua and as she controls her temper when teased by a classmate.

Gracias, El Pavo de Thanksgiving

Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 3-6

Cuando un niño puertorriqueño en Nueva York recibe un pavo en noviembre como regalo, decide que no puede sacrificar a su nueva mascota para el banquete del Día de Acción de Gracias. Con la ayuda de su familia y sus vecinos, encuentra la forma de salvarlo en este cuento encantador.

Gracias, the Thanksgiving Turkey

Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 3-6

In this warm holiday story, a young Puerto Rican boy saves the life of his pet turkey on Thanksgiving with help from his close-knit New York City family and neighborhood. Spanish vocabulary is woven into the text. Spanish version available.

Mice and Beans

Illustration of mice cooking in the kitchen
Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 3-6
Language: English, Spanish vocabulary featured

As Rosa Maria prepares for the family celebration of her granddaughter’s birthday, she gets unexpected help from the mice who live in the house. Spanish words are integrated into the joyful text and reflected in the energetic, vibrant illustrations.

N Is for Navidad

Family celebrating Christmas
Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 3-6, 6-9
Language: English, Spanish vocabulary featured

Join a joyous Latino celebration of Christmas from A to Z (angel to zapatos), enjoying the sights and symbols of the holiday. The book features a bilingual poem in English and Spanish. Additional explanations and Spanish holiday words conclude this energetic book with colorful and vibrant illustrations.

No More Spanish!

Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 6-9
The irrepressible Gabi is tired of speaking two languages and feels like she's messing up both. But what can she do if she is only allowed to speak Spanish at home? Gabi comes up with a solution that will make readers chuckle and recognize some of their own thinking in Gabi's reasoning.

Side by Side: The Story of Dolores Huerta and César Chávez

Illustration of Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez lifting up their hands in solidarity
Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

Many years ago in California, an energetic young Girl Scout named Dolores worked to raise money for soldiers fighting in World War II. A thoughtful young boy named Cesar worked in the fields to help his family put food on the table. As young adults, these two extraordinary individuals would meet and spend the rest of their lives working tirelessly on behalf of migrant workers and children through nonviolent struggle — side by side.

¡Vámonos! Lets Go!

Illustration of school bus with children
Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 3-6
Language: Spanish (Bilingual Eng/Sp)

From their window on the bus, a girl and a boy see a fire truck that goes woo-ooo-ooo, also known as a camión de bomberos--uuuah uuuah uuuah. They see a train, an ambulance and an airplane too! With this rollicking adaptation of "The Wheels on the Bus," young people can sing out the names of their favorite vehicles and the sounds they make -- in both English and Spanish.