The Young Teacher and the Great Serpent

The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) Outstanding International Books List - PreK-2 (2024)

The New York Times New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (2023)

A stunningly illustrated fable about cultural humility and the transcendent power of stories.

A young teacher sets out for the Amazon rain forest, eager to share geography, science, and math with the remote community of Las Delicias. The town’s children love the books the young teacher brings, and yet they keep repeating legends about a great and dangerous serpent. The young teacher can’t believe her students still care about that nonsense. But as the river rises, those stories don’t seem so strange anymore. Maybe books aren’t the only way to discover the wisdom of past generations...

The Young Teacher and the Great Serpent is a poetic, thought-provoking exploration of how stories can protect and guide a community. Bold, dynamic art and lyrical writing will open unforgettable conversations about cross-cultural relationships, the importance of indigenous knowledge, and what it means to be a lifelong learner.

Florida Literacy Association Children’s Book Award Grades 3-5 Nominee (2024-2025)

Empowering Latino Futures/Latino Literacy Now International Latino Book Award in Best Children’s Picture Book Translation - Spanish to English (2024)

Vermont Department of Libraries Red Clover List (2024-2025)

Irene Vasco is a Colombian children’s writer, translator, and educator. For many years, she has conducted reading workshops and programs in remote indigenous and agricultural communities. In 2021, the Colombian Ministry of Education recognized Irene’s career with its ＂Life and Work＂ distinction. Follow Irene on Instagram @irene_vasco or visit her website at irenevasco.com.

Juan Palomino is a prolific Mexican illustrator who started his own illustration teaching program at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. His books have received awards at the Guadalajara and Bologna Book Fairs, and the original edition of The Young Teacher and the Great Serpent was selected for the 2020 Fundación Cuatrogatos Award list. Follow Juan on Instagram @juanpalomino.ilustrador.

Lawrence Schimel has written or translated over 200 books, including Different, Niños, and 9 Kilometers (all Eerdmans). His works have received many awards, including the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, a PEN Translates Award, and the GLLI Translated YA Book Prize Honor. Lawrence lives in Madrid, Spain. Follow him on Twitter @lawrenceschimel.