Marisa de Jesus

Serving as JUDGE for the 2018 OREGON BOOK AWARDS & the ELOISE JARVIS MCGRAW AWARD for Children’s Literature

Joy Salazar — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 19:20:50 +0000

Approached by the STATE OF OREGON LITERARY ARTS to serve as a JUDGE in reviewing book submissions by publishers such as Scholastic Press, Simon & Schuster, Random House, Albert Whitman & Co., Atheneum Books for Young Readers, etc. Submissions include children’s books, chapter books, and novels. It was a difficult task since there were so many excellent literary works, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading each and every submission. The Winner and Finalists have been chosen and my review citations submitted. The selection process began in November 2017 and will end on April 30, 2018 at the 2018 State of Oregon Award Ceremonies. Congratulations to all the entrants/participants! And to the WINNER of the ELOISE JARVIS MCGRAW AWARD for Children’s Literature!

LATINO TRENDSETTERS and Write Up on Children’s Books!

Joy Salazar — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 22:09:42 +0000

Recently I was made known that LATINO TRENDSETTERS published an article on the CHILDREN’S BOOKS (See Page 28). On the cover LUIS ANTONIO RAMOS: a Puerto Rican-born American actor who has been on and starred in various film and television shows such as Martin, Early Edition, New York Undercover, In The House, Friends, The Shield, CSI, and CSI: Miami.

Thank you, Lord, for your continued work behind the scenes. And thank you Trendsetters!!!

Link to online Magazine:

https://issuu.com/trendtotrendmag/docs/latino_winter__issue_2015_16_final_46918546e9722a

Third Storybook: “El Tesoro del Rey” (“The King’s Treasure”) Published by the Museo del Nino in Puerto Rico!

Joy Salazar — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 22:09:29 +0000

Many thanks to the Museo del Niño of San Juan, Puerto Rico and Carmen Vega who purchased the rights, for an agreed upon time, to my third story, “El Tesoro del Rey” (“The King’s Treasure”) in Spanish.

Several years ago, Carmen Vega contacted me to write a story on the theme of “PEACE”. Not only was the story released in book form but also an audio, CD, accompanied it. The audio story was performed by various Puerto Rican artists such as Jacobo Morales (Narrator to my story); Rene Monclova (Voice of The King); Sunshine Logrono (Voice of the first wise men); Rucco Gandia (Voice of one of second wise men); and Ivana Mendez (Voice of the little Taino girl, Ana). Other artists were included on the CD such as actress/singer Roselyn Sanchez. Thank you all for doing such a fantastic job on the audio stories in this collection!

“El Tesoro del Rey “ (“The King’s Treasure”) was a story that made its way into the Museo’s Traveling Museum which traveled to low income children throughout the island in order that they may experience the world of reading and literature. I was honored and very happy to have penned this story for The Museo del Niño and the children in Puerto Rico. My heart sings that many children have read and thoroughly enjoyed “El Tesoro del Rey” (“The King’s Treasure”).

The rights to this story have now been granted/reverted back to the author, and I am extremely excited to share that a new edition of this children’s book title will be released in English in the near future. All glory, honor and praise belong to the Lord God!

Carmen L. Vega and Actress Roselyn Sanchez at the Museo del Nino in Puerto Rico. Getting ready to record “Cuentamelo Otra Vez – Part II” where my third story “El Tesoro del Rey” (“The King’s Treasure”) is included in book and audio form. Copyright photo Carmen L. Vega/Museo del Nino. All rights reserved. Permission granted to use photo.

The Traveling Museum where my third story, “El Tesoro del Rey” (“The King’s Treasure”) was read by many children throughout the island. Copyright photo Carmen L. Vega/Museo del Nino. All rights reserved. Permission granted to use photo.

At the Museo del Nino in Puerto Rico, getting ready to record “Cuentamelo Otra Vez – Part II” where my third story “El Tesoro del Rey” (“The King’s Treasure”) is included in book and audio form. Copyright photo Carmen L. Vega/Museo del Nino.
All rights reserved. Permission granted to use photo.

Inside illustration by Bibiana Ramos to my My third story “El Tesoro del Rey” (“The King’s Treasure”) in book and audio form.

Synopsis of story to my My third story “El Tesoro del Rey” (“The King’s Treasure”) in book and audio form. Illustrated by Bibiana Ramos.

A decade of exceptional service by the SCBWI. Thrilled to be a 10+ Year Member of SCBWI!!!

Joy Salazar — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 22:08:51 +0000

As a 10+ year member of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, I sincerely extend my thanks to SCBWI for their expert advice in my journey of publishing children’s books. The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is the only professional organization specifically for individuals who write and illustrate for children and young adults. Their mission is to support the creation and availability of quality children’s books in every region of the world. Through their awards, events, and publications, they give established writers and illustrators the tools and resources to manage their careers. It’s been an incredible journey. Thank you SCBWI!!!

Member Badge

The Annual Latino Educational Conference with The Latino Institute, Inc. New Jersey

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 05:56:28 +0000

My sincere thanks to WILLIAM COLON, President and CARMEN TORRES, Vice President of THE LATINO INSTITUTE, INC. for the invitation to the Annual Latino Educational Conference held in New Jersey.

Thank you so much for the invitation to be a guest and to display “There’s a Coqui in My Shoe!”and “Lightkeepers to the Rescue!” The children’s books were a big hit with the New Jersey teachers. And thank you so much for all those book purchases. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and speaking with everyone. I was glad to hear that the children’s books were a great fit as well as a great hit at this important conference. God willing, I’m looking forward to heading to Cuba with you guys. Thanking the Lord!

The Latino Institute, Inc. has a deep interest in the educational achievement for Latinos and the promotion of Latino culture in America, holding a strong belief that educational achievement is the key to success in life.

With William Colon, President and Carmen Torres, Vice President - The Latino Institute, Inc., New Jersey and the Annual Latino Educational Conference.

With Carmen Gonzalez-Gannon at the Annual Latino Educational Conference held by The Latino Institute, Inc., New Jersey. Carmen was the winner of a beautiful and large giclee taken from the children's book "There's a Coqui in My Shoe!".

The Latino Institute, Inc., New Jersey and its educational trips to Cuba! Thank you William and Carmen for the invitation to visit CUBA. God willing, I will be able to attend. Congratulations on all your hard work in bringing The Latino Institute, Inc. and all it has to offer to Cuba.

At the Annual Latino Educational Conference held by The Latino Institute, Inc. in New Jersey. I met so many wonderful teachers, etc. at this important educational event.

Breathtaking Mural of “Lightkeepers to the Rescue!” Book Cover by Award-Winning Illustrator Susan E. Daly!

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 05:53:16 +0000

Award-Winning Illustrator, Susan E. Daly, paints a phenomenal mural, the cover art, to the multiple award-winning children's book, 'Lightkeepers to the Rescue!' This mural was a little over 6 ft. high and 5 ft. wide and was displayed during the book's release in the Historic Hotel Bethlehem, Bethlehem, PA. Sue painted this in acrylic. It's simply beautiful and it is stored away for safekeeping. Thank you, Sue, for such a tremendous painting of the book's cover art. It's a breathtaking piece of artwork! I LOVE IT!!!

“Lightkeepers to the Rescue!” Book Launch and Performance by Art in Motion Dance Company at Historic Hotel Bethlehem!

admin — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 07:58:06 +0000

Many thanks to the Lord for opening the door to Philadelphia’s ART IN MOTION (AIM) Dance Academy and Darlin Garcia for their fantastic dance numbers during the release of “Lightkeepers to the Rescue!” Book Launch, Hotel Bethlehem. You guys were simply awesome and thanks again for the support!

Lightkeepers to the Rescue! Wins the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for Best Multicultural Children’s Picture Book! Wow! This is Lightkeepers to the Rescue’s 10th Award!

admin — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 16:04:51 +0000

Lightkeepers to the Rescue! is named WINNER for Best Multicultural Children’s Picture Book by the Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards. Each year the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs (NABE) honors some of the finest work published by its members. It was a pleasant surprise to hear that a member of the award committee is quoted as saying that Lightkeepers to the Rescue! is “an incredible work”. Thank you to all the judges and a big thank you to Al Galasso of NABE. In addition, I continue to thank the Lord for this blessing!

USA Best Book Awards honors Lightkeepers to the Rescue! as a Winner in the Children’s Educational category! This is Lightkeepers to the Rescue’s 9th Award!

admin — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 16:10:24 +0000

Lightkeepers to the Rescue! is named WINNER in the Children’s Educational category by The USA Best Book Awards sponsored by USA Book News! Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year’s contest yielded over 1500 entries from mainstream publishers such as St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Simon & Schuster, Penguin, John Wiley & Sons, Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, Hay House, Llewellyn Worldwide, and hundreds of Independent Houses. Entries were then narrowed down to over 400 winners and finalists. It was an outstanding competition! I am exceedingly grateful and thankful to the Lord for another win for Lightkeepers to the Rescue! Thank you to Jeffrey Keen and his entire staff at the USA Best Book Awards!

Download Press Release

Lightkeepers to the Rescue! Wins 1st Place in the Latino Books Into Movies Awards Children’s Animation Category on September 21, 2013!

admin — Sun, 06 Oct 2013 01:47:47 +0000

Another win for Lightkeepers to the Rescue! Thank you, Lord! The illustrator and I just returned from California where the 2013 Latino Books Into Movies Awards were held. We are excited that our new book came in 1st Place for best children’s book to be turned into an animation. Thank you to Edward James Olmos, Jim Sullivan, Kirk Whisler and all those individuals at Latino Literacy Now who have made these awards possible. Also, thank you to the following film industry professionals who presented the awards: Award- winning actor Mike Gomez, Award-winning screenwriter and producer Rick Najera, and Nosotros President Emeritus Jerry Velasco. Congratulations to all the winners!

Marisa and Sue receive Latino Books Into Movies Award: 1st Place in Animation Category for Children's Picture Book!

Winners and Award Presenters at the Latino Books Into Movies Award. Congratulations to all the Winners!

Sue Daly celebrating her win after the Latino Books Into Movies Award ceremony. Sue's birthday fell on the same day of the Awards! What a perfect gift! Happy Birthday, Sue! You did an extraordinary job with the book's illustrations.