The Coquíes Still Sing
illustrations by
on Goodreads (433)
What’s inside...
A story about home, community, and hope, inspired by the rebuilding of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017. Co-quí, co-quí! The coquí frogs sing to Elena from her family’s beloved mango tree—their calls so familiar that they might as well be singing, 'You are home, you are safe.' But home is suddenly not safe when a hurricane threatens to destroy everything that Elena knows. As time passes, Elena, alongside her community, begins to rebuild their home, planting seeds of hope along the way. When the sounds of the coquíes gradually return, they reflect the resilience and strength of Elena, her family, and her fellow Puerto Ricans. Pura Belpré Honor Book for Children's TextPura Belpré Honor Book for Children's Illustration
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Elena
Discussion points
How do you think the coquíes felt when their environment started to change?
What would you do to help the coquíes if you were in the story?
Why do you think it's important for the coquíes to keep singing?
How do changes in our environment affect us and the animals around us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the characters by asking them how they would feel in a similar situation.
Discuss the significance of environmental conservation and how small actions can make a big difference.
Relate the story to real-world examples of environmental change and discuss what can be done to mitigate these changes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of change
Explanation: In 'The Coquíes Still Sing,' the young protagonist experiences significant life changes when moving to a new place. Despite challenges, they find solace and continuity in the enduring song of the coquíes.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that even amidst big changes like moving to a new school or city, they can find stability and comfort in familiar routines and sounds, helping them adapt more gracefully.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature and cultural heritage
Explanation: The story emphasizes the beauty of the Puerto Rican landscape and the iconic sound of the coquíes, fostering a deep sense of pride and love for one's cultural and natural surroundings.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore and appreciate their own natural environment and cultural background, learning about local wildlife, plants, or family traditions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with new friends and shares stories about their homeland, it promotes empathy among listeners who learn about different life experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson empowers children to be considerate and open-minded when meeting new people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and understanding in everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Coping with homesickness
Explanation: The book explores the protagonist’s feelings of missing their home, addressing it through the continuity of the coquíes' song, which symbolizes home remains with them in spirit.
Real-World Application: Children can learn strategies to deal with their own feelings of homesickness or sadness by finding symbolic or real elements that remind them of home, providing comfort and connection.