ABOUT THE BOOK
Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa
Alberto Salas juega a la paka paka con la papa [Spanish edition]
Written by Sara Andrea Fajardo; illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal
Ages 4-8
What can a potato do? To Peruvian scientist Alberto Salas, they have the power to change the world. Go on the hunt with Alberto for for wild potatoes before they go extinct in this playful picture book biography, gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott-honoree Juana Martinez-Neal.
High up in the Andes mountains of Peru, agricultural scientist Alberto Salas is on a quest. A quest… for potatoes. Up and down the Andes mountains he goes, playing an epic game of paka paka con la papa, potato hide and seek. These potatoes are special: they have the power to feed the world.
Alberto doesn’t have a second to waste. The climate is changing and Alberto must find each and every one to save them before they go extinct.
The game is on!
Alberto races and peers and prods. Drives and trods and climbs. Will he find the potato he seeks? Will he win the game of paka paka con la papa?
Author Sara Andrea Fajardo’s spirited biography about “the godfather of potatoes” is paired with lush art by Caldecott-honoree Juana Martinez-Neal to capture how celebrated scientist Alberto Salas brings joy, curiosity, and fun to his very important, life-changing work.
¡También disponible en español!
HOW THIS BOOK WAS MADE
Go behind the scenes of Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka con la Papa! Click here for an interview with Sara, Juana, and Connie Hsu, VP, Executive Editorial Director at Roaring Brook Press to hear how this book was made, preview interior art, and learn more about the real Alberto Salas!
PRAISE
★”Thematic connections to environmentalism and sustainability in our changing modern world, told through a Latinx lens, this is a highly recommended title for all nonfiction collections.” –School Library Journal, starred review
★”A lovely tribute to an unassuming yet impactful changemaker.” –Booklist, starred review
★”In a warm palette, Caldecott Honoree Martinez-Neal’s lush mixed-media illustrations convey Salas’s dedication and the potatoes as jewels hiding in an ever-shifting landscape. Fajardo smartly melds playful language with an urgent conservationist message…” –Publishers Weekly, starred review
★”[A]n affable, often playful tone and a loose yet incredibly informative narrative peppered with words in Spanish and Quechua, Fajardo recounts the potato expert’s adventures in all their glory…” –Kirkus, starred review
★”This tribute to a contemporary figure will no doubt strike a chord with young readers.” –BookPage, starred review
“Fajardo’s playful narrative brings readers along on Salas’s quest, touching lightly but directly on other serious issues that affect his work, such as climate change and human encroachment on natural habitats.” –Horn Book