GENRE: **Diverse, Humor, Character Driven
WORDS: 583
Query:
Greetings,
It is my pleasure to present to you Pepito Park’s Perfect Game, a 583-word multicultural picture book about a spirited boy with a Mexican-Korean background determined to help his hesitant family members find common ground. Filled with humor and heart, this story is sure to please fans of work such as Ruby’s Reunion Day Dinner (Harper Collins, 2021) and I Can Be All Three (Simon Kids, 2023).
Ding-dong the relatives have arrived! However, when Pepito’s family greets each other with awkward handshakes, Pepito decides a game will be just the thing to help his diverse family overcome their differences. Will Pepito be able to find the perfect game to bring them together or will their first family event be their last?
As a multicultural family, we’ve made it our mission to raise our children with traditions and language from both our backgrounds, which is not always an easy feat. One of our favorite ways to bond is through sharing traditional games, which is how I became inspired to write about Pepito.
As a formerly agented author, and active SCBWI member, I’ve had the opportunity to write/submit manuscripts for consideration before, however I’m thrilled to begin sharing the stories that are closest to my heart. I have other manuscripts available upon request. Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy Pepito Park’s Perfect Game.
Excerpt:
Ding-dong. Pepito raced downstairs and flung open the door.
“¡Bienvenidos!” Pepito kissed Abuelo and the rest of his Mexican relatives.
Ding-dong.
“Annyonghasehyo,” Pepito bowed to Halmoni and the rest of his Korean relatives.
Pepito beamed. Usually his family was scattered all over, but not today. Finally, all his favorite people were meeting for the first time. Pepito pictured everyone laughing, eating, and joking together. But soon, his smile faded.
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
Growing up as a first generation Mexican- American, my mom taught us all sorts of traditional games. My favorite was always Lotería. When I met my husband, who is 1st generation Korean, he introduced me to a whole new culture including the games he was taught as a kid. Together, we’ve been able to pass down the games, food, language, and traditions from both our backgrounds to our own children and share it with our extended family as well. Lotería remains a family favorite which we play whenever we all get together.
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