I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the CHUPACARTER by George Lopez & Ryan Calejo Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!
With his signature laugh-out-loud humor, world-famous comedian George Lopez launches a fantastical middle grade series inspired by his own colorful childhood and Latinx folklore.
In this illustrated contemporary fantasy, twelve-year-old Jorge is lonely and resentful after being sent to live with his grandparents. His first day at his new school doesn’t go well after catching the attention of his belligerent principal and the school bullies, so Jorge might be a little desperate for a friend.
But the only kid who shares his interest in junk food and games turns out to be a young chupacabra—a legendary monster whose kind is known for being bloodthirsty livestock killers. The truth is, Carter is anything but savage—he’s kind, a good listener, and has great taste in sneakers. Being friends with a mythical creature should be amazing, but when local cattle turn up dead and his principal suspects the truth, Jorge is torn. Should he trust that his friend is innocent and protect him from exposure, or reveal his dangerous existence and change the world forever?
Reviews:
“ChupaCarter is an uproariously good time, full of humor, heart, and unexpected friendships.”
—Zoraida Córdova, award-winning author of Valentina Salazar Is Not a Monster Hunter
“A narrative punctuated with wisecracks and flavored with Spanish phrases and slang…Frights and fun in equal measure.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Gutierrez’s lively b&w illustrations expertly render Jorge and Carter’s occasionally over-the-top, adrenaline-filled adventures. Actor/comedian Lopez and Calejo offer a rollicking tale brimming with Latinx folklore and culture about finding one’s home in the unlikeliest of places that never takes itself too seriously.”—Publishers Weekly
“Some good and gross humor…in this fantasy-infused tale.”—School Library Journal
ChupaCarter was such a cute book!
I have never read a story where the Chupacabra was a full fledge character – this was great way to introduce the folklore to children in a not-so-scary way. I’ve not read it with my children yet, as I wanted to read it myself first, but I cannot wait to do so. I feel it would be a fun story for children of any age, including adults.
ChupaCarter would be a fun way to introduce your children to the Latino culture/folklore. There is a mix of Spanish and English words that readers can use context clues to understand the meanings (so the words don’t pose a problem or distract from the story), in addition to the Chupacabra myth and Latino foods.
I could not but help read this in the voice of George Lopez. The dialogue is very him and has buckets of his signature humor.
ChupaCarter isn’t all humor though. Lopez and Calejo touch on some rather poignant topics. Animal rights, bullying, single parenting, and most definitely racism.. just to name a few. The way these things are written into the story make it easy for children to connect with, regardless of their situation. There were points in the story where I’d turn to my husband as just say “wow, that was kind of sad,” I’m glad the book wasn’t all humor and that children have the opportunity to learn something profound when they pick up this fantastic read.
The illustrations are really fun! I enjoyed how they tied into the story and how much they actually added to the story. I’ve also found that chapter books with illustrations throughout actually hold my 9-year old’s attention better – bonus!!
While the Chupacabra aspects of the story aren’t scary, these other mythical creatures called dips seemed to be very frightening. They are described as vampire dogs that love to prey on Chupacabras and that can only be defeated by an act of kindness, so naturally I looked them up. Pretty scary stuff. Honestly though, the principal was most definitely the scariest thing in the story. He was this large, hulk sized man who was/is a trophy hunter. Not only that, but he essentially takes what he wants, regardless of the consequences.
The ending, while not necessarily leaving you on a cliff, it does dangle a little bit of ‘what next’ bait. Without spoilers.. I’m curious to see if the dips catch up to Carter, if Jorge reunites with his mother, and what about the principal.. he just gets away with that stuff?
I rated ChupaCarter five stars.
About George Lopez:
George Lopez is a New York Times bestselling author, stand-up comedian, actor, and talk show host. He made waves as the star of the most successful English-language prime-time television series about Latin Americans in recent history. His successful stand-up comedy showcases his idiosyncratic point of view and impeccable comedic timing. He lives in Los Angeles.
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon
About Ryan Calejo:
Ryan Calejo is an award-winning author born and raised in south Florida. His critically acclaimed Charlie Hernández series has been featured on half a dozen state reading lists and is a two-time gold medal winner of the Florida Book Awards.
Follow him on Twitter and Instagram @RyanCalejo.
Simon & Schuster Webpage | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon
*Giveaway*
Two (2) winners will win a finished copy of CHUPACARTER, US ONLY.
Ends December 6th, midnight EST.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21571/
Title: CHUPACARTER
Author: George Lopez, Ryan Calejo, & Santy Gutiérrez (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: August 30, 2022
Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Pages: 267
Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org
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| 11/8/2022 | @allyluvsbooksalatte | IG Review/TikTok Post |
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Week Three:
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| 11/14/2022 | Locks, Hooks and Books | Review |
| 11/15/2022 | @just_another_mother_with_books | IG Review |
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Week Four:
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| 11/21/2022 | Books With A Chance of Traveling | Review/IG Post |
| 11/22/2022 | Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers | Review/IG Post |
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| 11/25/2022 | @ReadsReaders | YouTube Review/IG Post |
| 11/26/2022 | Emily Ashlyn | Review/IG Post |
Week Five:
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