Rio lives in the metropolitan Chicago area. His Abuela (grandmother) loves to take him and his family to different parks and museums. In the first book Abuela takes them to the Brookfield Zoo where Rio learns that the animals are like him in some ways. In the second book Abuela takes Rio to the Shedd Aquarium with Wiggles, Rio's toy seahorse companion, in the third Rio takes his baby sister Lily to the Museum of Science and Industry, and in the forth Abuela take Rio and his little sister Lily Lily to the Alder Planetarium where they learn about eclipses.
Dimensions: 8-1/2" x 8-1/2"
Materials: Softcover book
Virginia Martinez
(Oak Park)
Virginia Martinez was born and raised in Chicago. She became a grandmother for the first time in 2019 and began to document her adventures with her grandson Rio. Her first book was published in 2021. Since then she has published two other books with the 4th in the series expected in Summer, 2024. She now also has a granddaughter named Liliana who is included in the third book. The bilingual (English/Spanish) picture book series comes with the dual goals of providing interesting stories for children as well as providing parents, grandparents and caregivers with information that will help them access the many wonderful parks, zoos, and museums the metropolitan area offers. These resources can help young children develop the love of learning. Her first effort was recognized by the International Latino Book Awards.
Virginia is a retired attorney with a son Miguel (father of her grandchildren) and a daughter Natalia.