Bilingual Children's Author
Books
Farrar, Straus and Giroux Macmillan Jan 13, 2026
Written by Cynthia Harmony
Illustrated by Erika Meza
Every day for Luna starts and ends with Mami’s apapachos. Her warm cuddles fill Luna's heart, like stars fill the sky. They make her feel safe. They make her feel seen. But, oh no, Mami has to take a trip! What will Luna do without Mami's hugs?
Maybe…apapachos can come from other people, too.
Like Abue’s, which makes Luna feel brave. And Daddy’s, which makes her giggle. Not to mention her dog, Benito’s wet nuzzle which tells her to rise and shine with a smile. It turns out even when Mami’s far away, her love is all around.
Apapacho love is everywhere!
A gorgeous picture book featuring a Mexican American family that’s as comforting as a warm embrace – great for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and baby gifts!
apapacho love ISBN: 9780374391836
order today!
PRAISE
PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY REVIEW
“An upbeat portrait of mutuality and shared devotion."
BOOKLIST REVIEW
“Young readers will welcome the sweet message that apapachos come in all shapes and sizes but they all mean you are loved."
KIRKUS REVIEW
"Apapachos (or hugs) brighten celebrations, soften disappointments, and chase away nighttime fears...Highlighting the many forms love can take, Harmony’s warm, reassuring story makes clear that distance can never diminish love. [Meza's illustrations] radiate emotion and make the meaning of apapachos tangible."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
"A special picture book about love, family, and friends... An excellent choice for sharing with loved ones as well as reading during story times."
Yosemite Conservancy March 10th, 2026
Written by Cynthia Harmony
Translated by Cynthia Harmony
Illustrated by Renata Galindo
Emilia and her family are gearing up for their first forest en familia day in a big, beautiful park! Emilia thinks her little brother, Nico, will fit right into the wild, but will she? With Abue Tita’s reminder to keep her ears, eyes, and heart open to surprises, Emilia finds that nature is a perfect fit.
Packing treats, driving to the park, meeting a friendly ranger at the gate, hiking a trail, and picnicking under a welcoming tree—Emilia’s day is full and so is her heart.
This dual-language (English and Spanish) picture book is perfect for getting ready for a day outside with young children or reading afterward to relive all those good memories. A page at the back of the book includes a glossary, wild creatures to spot in the pictures, and a note about having a safe, marvelous experience while leaving no trace.
All are welcome to visit, enjoy, and cherish our public lands.
Forest en familia
el bosque en familia
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ISBN 978-1951179397
PRAISE
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW
"Gorgeous illustrations convey the beauty of nature, depicting scenes with a layer of wonder. The narrative emphasizes the special bond the family has and how they together share their appreciation of the outdoors. A wonderful addition to bilingual picture book collections, this title is an excellent choice for picture book shelves and nature programming."
KIRKUS REVIEW
""Galindo’s illustrations capture the magic of hiking [and] reflects a child’s sense of wonder and love. Harmony’s story highlights the joy of connecting deeply with both family and nature and the simple pleasures of exploring the outdoors together….A gentle celebration of family, culture, and the small wonders waiting just beyond the trailhead.”
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.
ACCOLADES
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National Council of Teachers of English - Charlotte Huck Outstanding Fiction for Children Honor Book Award 2025
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Children's Book Council 2025 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
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National Science Teaching Association Outstanding Science Trade Book
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A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
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Bank Street College of Education The Best Children's Books of the Year 2025 Edition
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Common Sense Selection for Families Common Sense Media
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Rhode Island Latino Awards Nominee
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2026 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Nominee
Also available in Spanish
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
BOOKLIST STARRED REVIEW
“Rarely have the big ideas of family, tradition, labor, ecosystems, and interdependence been presented in such a loving and approachable way.." Read full review
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.
BOOK trailer
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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.
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 children's author and educational psychologist, originally from Mexico City. Her most recent titles include the bilingual edition picture book FOREST EN FAMILIA / EL BOSQUE EN FAMILIA (Yosemite Conservancy 2026) APAPACHO LOVE (FSG Macmillan, 2026) and the highly praised A FLICKER OF HOPE & UN ALETEO DE ESPERANZA (Viking, 2024) which received a NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Award and was selected as one of the best children's books of the year by Kirkus and the American Library Association.
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.
SCHOOL VISITS & AUTHOR PRESENATIONS
26-27 SCHOOL YEAR VISITS
BOOK HERE!
In-person or virtual presentations in English or Spanish include:
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Storytelling is...
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Story time (best for K-3 grades)
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Inspiration/story behind the book
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Interactive game based on content from chosen book
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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.
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Behind the scenes- Writing and publishing process for 4-12
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Contact me for tailored K-12 CCSS standards aligned writing workshops.
What kids are saying...
Bulletin board by Winston Campus Middle School students
What educators & librarians are saying...
Her personal journey between two countries is very important for students to hear and see in both English and Spanish.
"Cynthia was personable and open. She made all the students feel welcome to share and ask questions. She shared her experiences generating ideas, incorporating her culture into her writing, and working with illustrators and publishers - everything she shared was relevant to someone. I loved that she came prepared and that she was flexible to accommodate our needs and interests!"
"I appreciated the conversation about writing what you know versus writing what you love because it got students thinking about their purpose for writing."
"Honestly, the biggest thing for me was seeing how much it actually matters for these kids to meet an author who shares their language and their story. It’s so much more than just a fun 'extra' activity; it really validated who they are in a way a typical lesson just can’t. For newcomers especially, meeting someone who has successfully navigated the same path and the same language challenges they're right in the middle of is so powerful. It was a great reminder that making a student feel truly 'seen' is every bit as important as the literacy work we do every day."
CLASSROOM RESOURCES
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Literary Translation - English to Spanish for Picture Books and Chapter Books.
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Freelance Spanish translation for museums, educational content/websites.
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Fiction and Non-fiction PB critiques, AMA publishing process for writers
For fees contact me here.
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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
TRANSLATION & MENTORING
MEDIA & BLOGS
PODCASTS &
Videos
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Denver Public Library Children's Staff Picks 2024
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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
November 14th, 2026
March 14th, 2026
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Book Launch Storytime Stacks Bookclub Oro Valley
Saturday February 7th, 2026 9 am
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Dia de Muertos Storytime at Children's Peace Garden
Manuel Herrera Jr. Park Tucson
November 1st, 2025 10am
Contact
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