De Aquí Y De Allá: the Twins

By Irma Heidi Ortiz Torres and Camilo Bautista Maldonado

The year 2020 will go down in history as the one that changed our lives. Everyone suffered during the pandemic crisis, many lives were lost, some too close to us, and families experienced chronic sadness in their shared struggle. People immersed in their own sorrows and sometimes forgot about the loved ones besides them, especially the young ones.

De Aquí y de Allá: The Twins is a testament on focusing on the good around us in the face of adversity. Julián and Ana Marie, the beloved Venezuelan- Puerto Rican twins of Arepas y Piononos, turned four years old in the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The illusion of having a birthday party never vanished because their mom promised them two surprises despite social distancing guidelines.

The book is written in both English and Spanish for beginner readers and showcases how creativity in challenging times can bring family and friends together no matter how far they live.

The book’s colorful illustrations are conversation starters about places in the world, its flags, how to overcome the distance imposed by a pandemic and share the love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 31, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664155015

Irma Heidi Ortiz Torres

Irma Heidi Ortiz-Torres “Yaya” is a retired schoolteacher from Bayamón, Puerto Rico. Presently, she facilitates Language and Education college courses, and mentors future teachers in Orlando, Florida. De Aquí y de Allá: The Twins, is her second book with the beautiful illustrations of Colombian artist Camilo Bautista Maldonado. The book features friendship, love, rituals and bringing families together in social distance during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The main characters are Julián and Ana Marie, her beloved grandchildren.

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