In the Kitchen, En La Cocina (Hardcover)

Sales Points:

• Celebrates the heart of Latinx family life: Takes young readers on a joyful tour through the sights, sounds, and smells of a lively cocina—where food, family, and fun come together.
• Perfect for classroom and library use: A valuable resource for units on family, food, and culture—ideal for bilingual storytime, Hispanic Heritage Month, or everyday read-alouds.
• Bilingual side-by-side text (English/Spanish): Supports dual-language literacy and invites readers of all backgrounds into the warmth of a Latinx kitchen.
• Features a culturally rich kitchen setting: Highlights everyday moments like cooking with abuelita and laughing with tío, while introducing traditional ingredients and customs.
• Written in warm, engaging prose: A gentle narrative tone paired with vibrant imagery makes it perfect for reading aloud and sparking conversation about home and culture.
• Includes an easy-to-use Spanish glossary: Offers simple, approachable vocabulary that helps children and caregivers learn and practice Spanish together.
• Vibrant, expressive illustrations: Captures the color, movement, and love that make the Latinx kitchen feel like home—with inviting details on every page.
• Created by a culturally authentic voice: Written by a Latinx author who celebrates the everyday beauty of cultural traditions and family connection.
• Highlights identity, language, and love: Shows how food and family bring us together—no matter the language spoken—while honoring the role of kitchens as spaces of tradition and memory.

Themes for Classroom Learning / Library & Bookseller Displays:

• Hispanic Heritage Month – September 15 to October 15
• Celebrates Latinx family life, food traditions, and cultural identity through the joyful setting of the kitchen.
• Bilingual Education Month – October
• Supports Spanish-English language development with bilingual text and a glossary of easy-to-learn kitchen-related vocabulary.
• Family & Community Studies
• Explores themes of love, caregiving, and generational bonding in one of the most important spaces in the home—the cocina.
• Early Literacy & Language Learning
• Engages young readers with familiar scenes and clear vocabulary, building early reading confidence in both English and Spanish.
• Cultural Studies & Food Traditions
• Perfect for lessons or displays about food, heritage, and the role of cuisine in preserving cultural memory.
• Visual Literacy & Art Integration
• Features rich, detailed illustrations that inspire observation, conversation, and storytelling about home, food, and family.
• SEL: Comfort, Connection & Belonging
• Highlights emotional safety and joy in everyday moments with loved ones—modeling warmth, inclusion, and the power of shared time.
• Inclusive Family Representation
• Centers Latinx voices and multi-generational experiences, offering a relatable and affirming mirror for many young readers.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Displays
• A meaningful addition to book collections that highlight underrepresented cultural narratives through everyday family life.

A book that celebrates Latino culture, family traditions, and the special moments shared in the heart of every home—the kitchen.

En La Cocina is a vibrant, side-by-side bilingual children’s book that celebrates the warmth, love, and traditions found in a Latinx kitchen. From cooking with Abuelita to playing games with your Tío, this culturally rich story captures the joy of family connection and everyday moments that make the cocina the heart of the home. With colorful illustrations, rhythmic storytelling, and a helpful glossary of simple Spanish words, this book is perfect for early bilingual readers, dual-language classrooms, and families looking to explore Latino culture through food, language, and tradition. A joyful addition to any diverse children’s book collection!

Ana Peake, an Austin-based author and illustrator, draws inspiration from her Mexican-American heritage and her grandmothers' strength. “En La Cocina,” influenced by her time in the kitchen with her “Big Grandma,” emphasizes the significance of family gatherings and sharing moments with loved ones. Ana enjoys gardening, exploring Austin's culinary scene, and making discoveries in her own kitchen with her husband and two small children.