Julia Durango

Welcome!

2012-01-19T11:30:00.000-06:00

"Cha-Cha Chimps" illustration © Eleanor Taylor

Thanks for stopping by. Here you'll find information about:

my books (or click on the covers to the right)

a short biography

frequently asked questions

and author visits

Happy reading!

Author Visits

2012-01-18T15:24:00.000-06:00

Engaging, fun presentations designed to:

* spark creativity
* encourage innovative thinking
* promotemulticultural awareness
* inspire readers and writers of all ages!

School Visits (K - 8)
Julia’s 45-minute presentations are specifically tailored for both the age range and group size of the intended audience. Each presentation is a fast-paced, interactive experience, incorporating a variety of book-based activities to involve the audience, such as choral read-alouds, readers’ theater, “pop quizzes,” and multimedia props. As a former school librarian, Julia draws upon her experience with a variety of literacy strategies and the Common Core Standards to ensure that her presentations inform as well as entertain. She also uses her knowledge of Latin America and Spanish to promote multicultural awareness. (No more than 200 students per presentation, please. The smaller the audience size, the greater the interaction!)

Skype Visits (K - 8)
Julia’s 45-minute Skype visits are an affordable way for students to “meet” an author and have the opportunity to exchange ideas and ask questions. These visits work best if students are already familiar with Julia’s books and have prepared their questions in advance.

Writing Workshops (K - Adult)
Julia offers a variety of small group writing workshops based on the needs of participants. Workshops for younger students emphasize 6+1 Traits and the Common Core Standards for Writing. Workshop topics for older students and adults are designed to focus on specific elements of craft, such as plot, setting and revision. Julia will work closely with the event coordinator to tailor each workshop to fit specific needs.

Evening Programs (All Ages)
Julia’s interactive 45-minute program will encourage and inspire readers of all ages at your next Family Reading Night or other literacy event.

Rates (as of 1/2012)

School Visits: $1000/day for up to 4 presentations (45minutes each)

Skype Visits: $150/session

Writing Workshops: $250/hour

Evening Programs: $500/presentation

* Travel expenses additional for visitsbeyond a 100 mile radius of Ottawa, Illinois.

** Discounts available for multiple bookingson consecutive days.

For more information, please send an email to juliadurango(at)yahoo(dot)com

Download an author visit PDF

Click here to read the Anderson's Bookshops guide to hosting an author at your school!

Under the Mambo Moon

2011-06-30T07:00:00.004-05:00

By Julia Durango

Illustrated by Fabricio VandenBroeck

Charlesbridge Publishing

July 2011

On summer nights Marisol helps out in her father's music store and chats with the customers who arrive throughout the evening. In a dazzling array of poetry, each customer tells of a favorite form of Latin dance or music—from salsa to tango to the cha-cha-cha. Back matter includes a map, an author's note, and further information about the diverse musical heritage of Latin America.

Hearts fly home when

the music's

Just Right.

* "A vivid mingling of poetry, narrative, and art." ~ Publishers Weekly (starred review)

* "This lively book will delight independent readers, dancers, and artists and provide a fun and accessible introduction to Latin American history and its lasting heritage of music and dance." ~ Booklist (starred review)

* "A sparkling addition to any library." ~ School Library Journal

* Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List 2012 - 2013

* Included in Fox News Latino's 5 Children's Books That Teach about Latino Culture.

* Listed on Book Links Lasting Connections of 2011 for books that "most effectively connect to school curriculum."

* Named a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2012, a cooperative project of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children's Book Council.

"Parents and teachers: This book is an awesome resource if you are studying music, Latin America, culture, traditions, multiculturalism, the colonization of the Americas, etc." ~ Latin Baby Book Club

Teacher Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

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Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check IndieBound (US only).

Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Charlesbridge Publishing or online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Dream Away

2011-06-29T22:18:00.003-05:00

By Julia Durango & Katie Belle Trupiano

Illustrated by Robert Goldstrom

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

July 2011

Dream away, dream away, sleepyhead, love.
Set sail for the ocean of stars up above.
You be the captain and I'll be your mate.
We'll journey together, the heavens await.

From author Julia Durango, songwriter Katie Belle Trupiano, and new illustrator Robert Goldstrom, a story of the dreams that are possible as you drift to sleep. A father and son venture into a dream and encounter some new and familiar faces and along the way discover the possibilities the universe can hold.

Accompanied by Robert Goldstrom's sweeping paintings, Dream Away is the perfect combination of dreams and reality.

"Filled with cheerful images and lulling internal rhymes, the book is an irresistible invitation to sleep." ~ Booklist

"Goldstrom's richly imagined paintings of flight among the stars enhance this fanciful lullaby." ~ Publishers Weekly

Read more about Dream Away and listen to the song here.

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Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check IndieBound (US only).

Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Simon and Schuster or online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

About Julia

2011-02-19T20:19:00.009-06:00

portrait of Julia by Bridget Stevenson

I was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, to the Greiders. They always called me Julie when I was a kid, not Julia (too adult-sounding!), and I still go by both names. Due to my father's job, our family moved often. My older sister, Sherry, and I attended seven different schools in five states from California to Rhode Island. We never minded, as we always had each other wherever we went. It helped that we were close in age — born exactly one year and one week apart.

Julie & Sherry, 1970

When Sherry started school ahead of me and began learning how to read, I was SO jealous! But my sis was nice enough to come home every day and teach me how to read. By the time I started Kindergarten, I was an avid reader. Now Sherry is a teacher and reading specialist...and I still love to read.

Julia and friends in Bogotá, Colombia

In 1985 I left home to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where I received degrees in Latin American Studies and Political Science. I traveled frequently to Latin America during that time, but mostly to Colombia, where I worked in a program for street children. I loved working with the kids, but it was also very sad to meet so many kids without homes or families. I later co-authored a chapter in Hate Crime: the Global Politics of Polarization about the abuse and murder of Colombian street children. I still travel to Colombia whenever I can.

Sancho sitting on the irises

Now I live in Ottawa, Illinois, with my family in an old house near the Illinois River. We have a dog named Sancho who loves to sit on our flowers. In addition to writing children's books, I am a school librarian and a proud member of the Three Silly Chicks along with fellow Illinois children's book authors, Andrea Beaty and Carolyn Crimi. You can read more about me on the FAQ page.

Three Silly Chicks (that's me in the middle!)

Interviews with Julia:
Cynsations
Cricket for Kids

Press Photos (right click to copy or save):

Photo credit: Sonya Sones

Go-Go Gorillas

2011-02-18T23:13:00.007-06:00

By Julia Durango

Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

April 2010

Something's going down at the Gorilla Villa, and King Big Daddy wants all the gorillas at the villa...pronto! So gorillas on scooters and pogo sticks and even in hot-air balloons have got to go-go-go or they'll miss the big surprise!

Created by the same team who brought you Cha-Cha Chimps, Julia Durango and Eleanor Taylor continue their fun brand of monkey business in Go-Go Gorillas!

"...a snappy simian tale of family and vehicles sure to have toes tapping and audiences giggling... by the end listeners will be chanting along with the refrain." ~ Kirkus Reviews

"...a bouncy book that will keep little ones counting." ~ Booklist

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Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check IndieBound (US only).

Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Simon and Schuster or online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Sea of the Dead

2011-02-18T21:58:00.004-06:00

By Julia Durango

Cover art by Jon Foster

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

July 2009

As the son of the Warrior Prince, Kehl has always known certain things about the world. First and foremost is the certainty that the Teshic Empire is its center, and that everything -- and everyone -- beyond the empire's borders has been created ultimately to be brought under Teshic dominion. Furthermore, because Kehl is being trained to follow in his father's warrior footsteps, he is all too aware of the expectations placed upon him to never show weakness or fear, to instead show an unwavering loyalty to the Teshic Empire and its often severe beliefs and demands.
But when Kehl is abducted by a seafaring band of rebels and taken beyond the borders to the enigmatic Sea of the Dead, a whole new world begins to open up before him. A new world filled with challenging beliefs and dangerous ideas. A world where Kehl's future -- as well as his past -- may be linked to the renegade crew of a ship named Carillon's Revenge and the Fallen King who captains her.

A Junior Library Guild Selection
Parent's Choice Award Silver Medal
Bank Street Best Books of the Year
Golden Kite Award for Fiction

Street Smarts Reading Guide

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Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check IndieBound (US only).

Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Simon and Schuster or online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Cha-Cha Chimps

2011-02-18T08:59:00.003-06:00

By Julia Durango

Illustrated by Eleanor Taylor

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 2006

Now available in paperback with a fun new cover!

Counting and dancing go hand in hand at Mambo Jamba's, the place where hippos hokey-pokey and meerkats Macarena and ten little chimps do the cha-cha-cha...until Mama Chimp says, "Time for bed!"

“Durango's dancing rhyme is infectious.” – Kirkus Reviews

“Don't expect kids to sit still for this; they'll be groovin' to the catchy rhyme and movin' to their own cheerful beat.” - Booklist

Georgia Children's Picture Book Award Nominee
Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award Master List
Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Nominee
Volunteer State Book Award Nominee
Minnesota State University Read Aloud Book Award

Teacher Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check IndieBound (US only).

Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Simon and Schuster or online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Angels Watching Over Me

2011-02-17T09:35:00.004-06:00

Adapted By Julia Durango

Illustrated by Elisa Kleven

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

March 2007

All night, all day…angels watching over me.

What better way to reassure a young child than with the words of a soft, soothing spiritual exuberantly expanded by author Julia Durango and intricately illuminated by award-winning artist Elisa Kleven.

“Utterly angelic.” ~ Kirkus Reviews

"A beautiful nondenominational paean to creation and the Earth's many blessings." ~ School Library Journal

Teacher Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

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Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check IndieBound (US only).

Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Simon and Schuster or online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The Walls of Cartagena

2011-02-17T09:12:00.015-06:00

By Julia Durango

Illustrated by Tom Pohrt

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

July 2008

On his thirteenth birthday, Father Pedro asks Calepino to assist him with the slaves coming into Cartagena. Although born on a slave ship, up until now Calepino has been blessed with good fortune. But soon he's fighting seasickness, living in squalor, and cursing every minute.

Then he meets Mara and Tomi, a mother and son who remind him of his own past. When they are sold to a cruel man, Calepino is determined to find a way to save them. Will this be his chance to change someone else’s fortune, or will he put them all in more peril?

Richly detailed and researched, Julia Durango's gripping first novel brings to life what it means to be truly free.

“Based on real historical characters, this fictionalized account offers both well-researched detail on a buried chapter in the African slave saga and a clever young hero.” —Kirkus Reviews

"...the ultimate rescue adventure is gripping, but more compelling is the authentic history of people desperate and brave." ~ Booklist

A Junior Library Guild Selection
Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable Book
Américas Award Honorable Mention
Garden State Children's Book Award Nominee

Dream Hop

2011-02-16T10:08:00.007-06:00

By Julia Durango

Illustrated by Jared Lee

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

2005

Ever had a dream in the deep dark of night, that wasn't so good — that gave you a fright?
Well, here's what to do when tucked snugly in bed and not-so-sweet dreams start to play in your head...

“Durango's short rhyming couplets scan with an energetic, jaunty rhythm that amplifies the suspense and then the relief of each nail-biting dream scene.”— Booklist

"A crowd-pleasing tale of the "scary but not really scary" variety." ~ Kirkus Review

Minnesota State University Read Aloud Book Award

Teacher Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

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Buy the book

Unfortunately, Dream Hop is now out of print. However, used copies are currently available from online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Pest Fest

2011-02-16T09:53:00.002-06:00

By Julia Durango

Illustrated by Kurt Cyrus

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

June 2007

Brimming with energy and humor, this witty picture book redeems bugs in a whole new light. The homely housefly is sure he doesn't stand a chance to win the title of greatest pest of all. After all, there's pretty stiff competition between the lovely ladybug, the musical cricket and the long-legged spider. But just when the house fly's sure he'll be defeated by the host of boisterous bugs, things take a turn for his favor. And HE ends up being the prince of persecution after all--as the most pesterly chump in the bunch.

Full of rhythm and drama, this book is a perfect read-aloud!

“Young entomologists will go buggy for this book.”– School Library Journal

"Begs to be read aloud." ~ Kirkus Review

Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee

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Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check IndieBound (US only).

Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Simon and Schuster or online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Frequently Asked Questions

2011-02-15T10:33:00.057-06:00

I’ve written a story for children. What should I do next?

Take some time to research children’s book publishers and their submission policies. Read the latest Children’s Writer’s and Illustrator’s Market. Join SCBWI, the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

If you are a young writer, children's book author Shutta Crum has put together a wonderful list of resources for you on her website.

Be patient. Do your homework. Read. Revise. Persevere!

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Will you visit my school, library or other organization?

I love to meet readers and writers of all ages. Please read my Author Visit page for further information about my schedule and rates.

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Will you read my manuscript?

Sorry, but due to my own writing deadlines, I am not able to read manuscripts at this time. However, if you'd like a professional critique, I highly recommend Esther Hershenhorn or Paula Morrow. Or check with your SCBWI regional advisor for information about critique groups in your area.

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Will you donate one of your books to our school or fund-raiser?

As much as I love to donate my books to good causes, my extra copies go quickly! But if you would like to purchase one of my books for a fundraiser, I’ll be happy to send you an autographed bookplate for it. Just send an email to juliadurango(at)yahoo(dot)com with the details and a mailing address.

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Can you recommend some good books for my kids/grandkids/students?

Yes! Check out the Three Silly Chicks blog, where my friends and I review funny books for kids of all ages.

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What were some of your favorite books when you were a kid?

CDB! by William Steig

Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
Peppermints in the Parlor by Barbara Brooks Wallace
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Yum Yuck! A Foldout Book of People Sounds

2011-02-15T10:17:00.009-06:00

By Julia Durango and Linda Sue Park

Illustrated by Sue Ramá

Charlesbridge Publishing
2005

Hurray! Yupi! It's time to celebrate language!
What sounds do people make to show their feelings? And how are these sounds expressed in different languages? Look at the faces for a hint, sound out the foreign words, then lift the page for the English word.

“This original offering is a delightful addition to the canon of multicultural picture books and a fun read-aloud guessing game.” ~ School Library Journal

ALA Notable Children's Books
Bank Street College of Education's Best Books of the Year (Outstanding Merit)
Bookbuilders of Boston New England Book Show Winner
CCBC Choices
Nick Jr.'s Best Books of the Year
Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts (NCTE)

Teacher Guide by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer

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Buy the book

If your local bookstore does not have this book on the shelf, they should be able to order it for you. To find an independent bookseller near you, check IndieBound (US only).

Book Mouse, our wonderful independent bookstore in Ottawa, Illinois, has autographed copies and can ship them to you. Be sure to note in the comment section that you would like a signed copy.

You can also order it directly from Charlesbridge Publishing or online retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.