Happy Birthday, José and Feliz - (José and El Perro) by Silvia López (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

José and his dog celebrate their birthdays together in this fun early reader that uses both Spanish and English!

Join José and his beloved dog, Feliz, in a heartwarming tale of birthdays, family, and the special bond between a boy and his best friend. On his sister Sofi's birthday, José realizes that everyone deserves a special celebration--even his furry friend. But when is Feliz's birthday?

Determined to give Feliz the fiesta he deserves, José embarks on a journey to discover his dog's special day. With the help of his family and a kind lady at the animal shelter, José learns about DOGust--a day to celebrate all shelter dogs. But José has an even better idea: He will share his own birthday with Feliz!

Filled with love, laughter, and a few howls, this charming story showcases the joy of sharing special moments with those we love, no matter how many legs they have. With delightful illustrations and a glossary of Spanish words and phrases, young readers will enjoy learning a new language while celebrating the universal themes of friendship and family.

This early reader, cowritten by notable Broadway producer Susan Rose and children's book author Silvia López, is the perfect introduction to independent reading for English-speaking children who have just begun learning Spanish. The inclusion of the Spanish/English translations at the end of the book also makes it an excellent teaching tool.

About the Author

Silvia López (she/her) was born in Cuba and moved to Miami as a child. Her lifelong love of books turned into a career as a children's librarian until, later in life, she became a children's author. López is an eclectic writer whose work reflects her interest in animals, history, folk tales, and people who have overcome obstacles to achieve great things. Her books include Just Right Family: An Adoption Story (winner of the 2018 Gwen P. Reichert Gold Medal for Children's Literature award; illustrated by Ziyue Chen); Handimals: Animals in Art and Nature (a collaboration with Italian artist Guido Daniele); Queen of Tejano Music: Selena (winner of the 2020 Gwen P. Reichert Gold Medal for Children's Literature award; English and Spanish; illustrated by Paola Escobar); Pacho Nacho (bilingual; illustrated by Pablo Pino); My Little Golden Book About Frida Kahlo (English and Spanish; illustrated by Elisa Chavarri); and My Little Golden Book About Sonia Sotomayor (English and Spanish; illustrated by Nomar Perez).

Susan Rose (she/her) is a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer for The Band's Visit and coproducer of the Broadway musical Sing Street. She has also produced Tony-nominated Broadway shows, including the original Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat, Hurlyburly, and Blood Knot. She coproduced the Drama Desk-winning musical The Last Five Years. Susan has enjoyed a successful film career as a producer as well. Several of her films have been nominated for and won Emmy Awards, including Cooler Climate and Jack.

Gloria Félix (she/her) was born and raised in Uruapan, a beautiful small city in Michoacán, Mexico, one of her biggest artistic inspirations. After earning her bachelor's degree in animation and digital art, Gloria moved to San Francisco to pursue an MFA in visual development. Besides children's books, she makes art for the animation industry. Her hobbies include walking, life drawing, and plein-air painting with her partner and friends. Currently she lives and paints in Guadalajara, Mexico.