# Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré - Hardcover

by **Anika Aldamuy Denise** (Author), **Paola Escobar** (Illustrator)

**RECIPIENT OF THE** **PURA BELPR** **HONOR**

**\* A** **Today Show's Best Kids' Books of 2019** **\* Indie Next List Pick \*** **Junior Library Guild Selection \***

**"An appealing tribute and successful remedy to the lack of titles about the groundbreaking librarian...a must-have for all libraries." _\--__School Library Journal_ (starred review)**

An inspiring picture book biography of storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, who championed bilingual literature.

When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpr carried the cuentos folkl ricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura's legacy.

Brought to colorful life by Paola Escobar's elegant and exuberant illustrations and Anika Aldamuy Denise's lyrical text, this gorgeous book is perfect for the pioneers in your life.

Informative backmatter and suggested further reading included.

A Spanish-language edition, _Sembrando historias: Pura Belpr bibliotecaria y narradora de cuentos,_ is also available.

**"Anika Aldamuy Denise's intimate telling captures the magical, folk-tale feeling of Belpr 's own stories. Her lyrical text, sprinkled like fairy dust with Spanish words, begs to be read aloud, while Paola Escobar's stylishly detailed and warmly expressive illustrations capture the joy of sharing stories." --_New York Times Book Review_**

### Front Jacket

FOLLOW LA VIDA Y EL LEGADO OF PURA BELPRÉ, THE FIRST PUERTO RICAN LIBRARIAN IN NEW YORK CITY

When she came to America in 1921, Pura carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura's legacy.

This portrait of the influential librarian, author, and puppeteer reminds us of the power of storytelling and the extraordinary woman who opened doors and championed bilingual literature.

\--Reading Eagle

### Back Jacket

FOLLOW LA VIDA Y EL LEGADO OF PURA BELPRÉ, THE FIRST PUERTO RICAN LIBRARIAN IN NEW YORK CITY

When she came to America in 1921, Pura carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura's legacy.

This portrait of the influential librarian, author, and puppeteer reminds us of the power of storytelling and the extraordinary woman who opened doors and championed bilingual literature.

**Number of Pages:** 40

**Dimensions:** 0.5 x 11.2 x 8.7 IN

**Illustrated:** Yes

**Publication Date:** January 15, 2019

**Award:** Pura Belpre Award (2020)

**Accelerated Reader:**

**Quiz Name:** Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpre

**Interest Level:** Lower Grades, K-3

**Reading Level:** 4

**Point Value:** 0.5

## Details

- **Price:** 19.99 USD
- **Vendor:** Books by splitShops
- **Type:** Books
- **Tags:** Books by splitShops, Shopify Collective

## Variants

| Variant | Price | Available |
|---------|-------|-----------|
| Default Title | 19.99 USD | In stock |

## Images

- Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré - Hardcover
- Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré - Hardcover

---

> Source: [Smart supply deals](https://smartsupplydeals.com/products/planting-stories-the-life-of-librarian-and-storyteller-pura-belpre-hardcover)
> Updated: 2026-07-23