Bilingual Author
Books
2024
RELEASE
a flicker of hope ISBN: 9780593525760
UN ALETEO DE ESPERANZA ISBN: 9780593525791
Viking, Feb 27, 2024
Written by Cynthia Harmony
Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
Translated by Cynthia Harmony
LUCÍA loves to watch the monarcas’ annual migration with her papá. But this year, their flight north holds extra weight: Papá is heading north, too, to work on faraway farms to feed his family. Though she hates to see him go, he leaves her a song and a promise that when the weather turns cold and the monarcas return, so will he. After many months apart, Lucía watches the skies for a flicker of hope, the monarchs’homecoming that signals Papá’s return.
Through parallel journeys, this love letter to the bonds that connect us celebrates the power of families and nature, both of which know no borders.
Also available in Spanish
PRAISE FOR A FLICKER OF HOPE
KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW
“A beautiful story about cycles and traditions that shines a light on migration... The love between Lucia and her father reverberates deeply through subtle echoes." Read full review
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY STARRED REVIEW
“After “a million monarchs flicker magic into the sky,” the smartly twined telling follows Lucía’s community braiding baskets of “ocoxal leaves and memories,” and migrant workers, including Papá, “in search of fields, crops, and a better tomorrow.” Read full review
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW
“ The potential age range for this book is broad: younger children may simply enjoy the family story, while older children could be prompted to have in-depth conversations about complicated concepts. This magnificent and hopeful tale of journeys and returns is recommended for first purchase.” Read full review
2023
RELEASE
OUR WORLD: MEXICO ISBN: 9781646868476
Barefoot Books, Apr 2023
Written by Cynthia Harmony
Illustrated by Claudia Navarro
Spend a day in Mexico with a baby and their family, from huevos in the morning to settling down for dulces sueños at night. Mexican author Cynthia Harmony and illustrator Claudia Navarro draw on their lived experiences in Mexico to create an authentic picture of modern Mexican life as part of the Our World Series for very young readers.
ORDER TODAY!
BOOK trailer
PRAISE FOR OUR WORLD: MEXICO
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW
In the “Our World” series, this book shows a scene of a mother waking up her child and a line of dialogue that uses both English and Spanish, along with a bit of help for pronunciation. “Buenos dias* I love to see el sol* and Mami’s smile!” A scene at the breakfast table references some of the foods, and the ebullient illustrations offer readers a multigenerational view of a family enjoying their meal. The day-in-the-life continues with a bus to school, the class, a museum, and later on dinner and bedtime! What a sweet way to visit Mexico! VERDICT A charming way to enjoy tiled streets, sunny sidewalks, and domestic scenes, and to take on new vocabulary.
2022
RELEASE
MI CIUDAD SINGS ISBN: 9780593226841
MI CIUDAD CANTA ISBN: 9780593520055
Penguin Workshop, Jun 14, 2022
Written by Cynthia Harmony
Illustrated by Teresa Martinez
Translated by Cynthia Harmony
After experiencing a devastating earthquake, the spirit of a charming and vibrant Mexican neighborhood might be shaken, but it cannot be broken.
As a little girl and her dog embark on their daily walk through the city, they skip and spin to the familiar sounds of revving cars, clanking bikes, friendly barks, and whistling camote carts. But what they aren’t expecting to hear is the sound of a rumbling earthquake…and then…silence.
With captivating lyrical text and lively, beautiful illustrations, this heartwarming story reminds readers that they can choose to be strong and brave even when they are scared, and can still find joy and hope in the midst of sadness.
Order Today!
coming soon!
ABOUT
I grew up playing tennis and waiting for my family's next trip to Acapulco. A special weekend treat included drinking a tiny bottle of Chaparrita soda at one of the downtown pebbled streets of Mexico City. Chaparrita or Chapis later became my nickname (it means shorty).
Research for my Master's in Education at Universidad Complutense de Madrid became a series of textbooks, my first publication in the educational market in 2008. I've also worked with artists, designers, and scientists creating interactive exhibits and educational content for new Children's Museums and Science Centers.
In 2023, I received the Sustainable Arts Foundation Award for Illustrated Children's Books. In 2020, I won the "We Need Diverse Books" Picture Book Mentorship and cofounded "Latinxpitch" an ongoing effort to support underrepresented voices in children's literature. My books explore themes of community, friendship, family bonds, art, nature and joy rooted in my heritage.
My all-time favorite place to live was Playa del Carmen, QR México. Home is now Tucson, Arizona where I live with my husband, our two amazing niños that help me pick character names, a dog, and two fish.
BIO
Cynthia Harmony is a bilingual author and educational psychologist, originally from Mexico City. She is a 2023 recipient for the Sustainable Arts Foundation Illustrated Children's Books Award and author of OUR WORLD: MEXICO (Barefoot Books, 2023) and JLG Gold Standard Selections MI CIUDAD SINGS, MI CIUDAD CANTA (Penguin Workshop, 2022) and the multi-starred reviewed A FLICKER OF HOPE, UN ALETEO DE ESPERANZA (Viking, 2024).
When not writing, Cynthia can be found in a museum with her kids, dancing to a Latin beat, daydreaming of tacos, or planning her next family trip.
Member of:
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
SCHOOL VISITS & story times
In-person or virtual presentations in English or Spanish include:
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Path to becoming an author
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Writing & Illustration process: From first draft to bookstores
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Inspiration: writing fiction from real events
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Reading of A FLICKER OF HOPE/UN ALETEO DE ESPERANZA
MI CIUDAD SINGS/MI CIUDAD CANTA or OUR WORLD: MEXICO
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Q&A
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Book signing/ Bookplates for virtual visits
My books are perfect for Hispanic Heritage Month, National Library Week,
Children’s Book Week, and Spanish Immersion Programs, best for K-3 grades.
For fees contact me here.
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Literary Translation - English to Spanish for Picture Books and Chapter Books.
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Latino heritage sensitivity readings.
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Freelance Spanish translation for museums, educational content/websites.
For fees contact me here.
TRANSLATION & OTHER SERVICES
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Teaching Books Author page
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Download Mi Ciudad Sings Coloring Page
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Mi Ciudad Sings Activity idea board
MEDIA & BLOGS
PODCASTS &
Videos
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Publishers Weekly New and Noteworthy Children's and YA Books: February 2024
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Picture Books help kids soar Blog Vivian Kirkfield - Book birthday
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Kathy Teaman Blog
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2023 Sustainable Arts Award Recipient in the Illustrated Children's Books Category
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Write This! with Devon Holzwarth hosted by Tonya Duncan Ellis
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Penguin School & Library and Latinx Kidlit Book
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Read Your World IG LIVE A Story of Hope
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Club de Lecturas Mi Ciudad Canta Consulado Mexicano en Tucson
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Brightly Storytime in English and Spanish Video
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Here Wee Read Podcast
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The Written Page Interview
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Latinx Kidlit Book Festival 2022 Storytime for All Ages!
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Pine Reads Review University of Arizona Interview
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Las Musas Debut Spotlight Podcast
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Las Musas Podcast Debut Diaries, Picture Book Edition Episode 13
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Latinx Kidlit Book Festival 2021 Draw Off Panel Moderator
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Las Musas Podcast Debut Diaries Picture Book Authors Ep. 7
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NerdCamp PA Banned Books Edition July 15th, 2022
Meaningful Discussions through a Diverse Library
EVENTS
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Latinx Kidlit Book Festival "Get on your feet: Storytime"
Virtual Panel September 20th, 1pm EST
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Margins Virtual Panel "Building Bridges with and for our stories"
September 14th, 9am MST
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IG LIVE with Devon Holzwarth hosted by Tonya Duncan Ellis
May 16th 3pm EST
and Latinx Kidlit Book Festival - Virtual Panel
April 30th, 2024
Barnes & Noble Westside, Foothills Mall Tucson
Saturday April 13th, 2024 11 am
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A FLICKER OF HOPE Storytime
Stacks Book Club, Oro Valley
Saturday March 2nd, 2024 9 am
Contact
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