Mateo, a troubled boy of 12, returns to the island where his grandparents live to say a final goodbye to Minerva, a beloved family member who has died. Unhappy to be back in the small town of Palo Verde, a place full of many memories, he struggles to make sense of the abrupt and irreparable loss. When a stray cat mysteriously appears in his grandmother’s backyard, matters get complicated. The book moves back and forth across the years, weaving multiple story lines together into a surprising finish that will leave readers feeling satisfied. Along the way, there is ample comic relief and suspense. In addition to the well-developed human characters that inhabit the little village of Palo Verde, the author skillfully uses magical realism to create memorable characters of animals and trees which become as alive as the humans in the story. The book is further enhanced by the beautiful black and white illustrations. The story would stand on its own as a well told tale, but there is much more to be savored and lessons to be learned as Mateo explores deeper issues of guilt and redemption, betrayal and forgiveness, evil and love.
About the Author: Edwin Fontánez
Edwin Fontánez is an extraordinary talent—an accomplished fine artist, author, illustrator, and designer. He was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico and grew up in Corozal, where his family still resides. Fontánez attended the Luchetti Fine Arts School in San Juan and earned a Bachelor of Arts from the School of Plastic Arts of the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture. He also acquired an Associate Degree in Communications Design from the prestigious Pratt Institute in New York City. Fontánez’s visionary style has led him through a long and distinguished professional career that extends from fine art, literature, and design to creative consulting. He is currently president and founder of Exit Studio, publisher of books and videos for children on Latin American culture.
Reviews/Quotes
"Amazing! You will not want to put the book down once you start reading. You will be astonished by Fontánez’s choice of vocabulary, imagery, and the incredible descriptions of the forest imbued with such a touch of magic that will practically allow you to listen to the conversations between the forest trees and the animals that inhabit it! No doubt this has been one of the best novels I have read this year! It is an unforgettable story that will allow you to reflect on life and its ups and downs through the coming of age of Mateo." --Matilde García-Arroyo, Ed.D. English professor at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Metro Campus and co-author of "Gabriel Come-libros" "Edwin Fontanez has written a remarkable book with beautiful illustrations. The vivid descriptions of the island will make you feel like you are walking through the gardens and forest yourself. You can almost smell the orange blossoms. At times, the book will make you laugh, at other times, bring tears to your eyes, but will leave you with joy in your heart." --J. Allen REVIEWS: “Tender, yet delivered with a punch in all the right places, this perceptive and incredibly empathetic story reveals the depths of despair as the brutal blows of life threaten to snuff out the will to live in Mateo and his feline observer….For those who wonder what a cat feels when faced with the loss of a loving home that once provided shelter and nurture, this enlightening look at a semi-feral cat personified will bring even the cold-hearted to tears….Filled with beautiful illustrations to enhance the most striking scenes, this childlike fairytale will also appeal to adults seeking sophisticated symbolism and well-honed language typical of fine literature. [El bosque iluminado] exhibits characteristics often found in award-winning juvenile and young adult fiction, making this book an excellent choice for public libraries and classroom use. Animal rights organizations may find this title an entertaining method of instruction for people living in environments overburdened with domesticated pets that have turned unapproachable and wild outdoors.” FIVE STARS --Clarion ForeWord Review “COMPELLING…Endearing and impressive…this heartfelt tale of a young boy’s pain and reluctance to make connections could form an instructive, charming story for younger readers.” --Kirkus Reviews “Fontánez weaves a tale of loss, anger and hope through the stories of a young boy, a stray cat, an evil and abusive man, a ghost, and the plants and animals of the tropical island. Black-and-white drawings, some covering full pages, give the feeling of a journal in which the author is recording thoughts and impressions. Mateo’s story and the descriptions of Palo Verde’s lush and simple community are quite memorable.” --School Library Journal
Additional information
Book Author
Edwin Fontánez
Publisher
Exit Studio Publishing
Language
En Español
ISBN
978-0983189176
Pages
366
Format
Hardcover
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