In her second adventure, 8-year-old Yoli explores Puerto Limón, Costa Rica, where a lively celebration of Afro-Caribbean culture deepens her understanding of heritage and community.
That’s the basis for “La Tica Morenita: Traditional Dishes and the Day for People of African Descent” by Y.B. Blake León.
It was inspired by the author’s Afro-Costa Rican roots and the rich cultural traditions she grew up with.
“I wanted to capture the joy, rhythm and resilience of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, especially during celebrations like Carnaval and Día del Negro,” Blane León said. “Seeing how underrepresented Afro-Latinx stories are in children’s literature also motivated me to give voice to those histories and experiences through Yoli’s eyes.”
“La Tica Morenita: Traditional Dishes and the Day for People of African Descent” is intended for children ages 5–10, particularly those in multicultural households or classrooms. It’s also a valuable resource for educators, caregivers and parents who want to expose children to global cultures and inclusive narratives, the author said.
This is the second book in a series that follows young Yoli on her adventures beyond her comfort zone, both in America and abroad. In it, she learns about traditional foods, community customs, and the meaning behind El Día del Negro.
“It was important for me to create this book because children of African descent in Latin America — and all over the world — deserve to see themselves reflected in stories that celebrate their culture, food, history and beauty,” Blake León said. “I wanted to offer a book that not only educates but also affirms identity and inspires pride in heritage.
The author’s favorite part of the book is where Yoli sees a parade float of Afro-Latina princesses and recognizes herself in them.
“I hope readers will gain an appreciation for the diversity within Latin America and the significance of preserving cultural traditions,” Blake León said. “For children of African descent, I hope they feel seen and empowered; for others, I hope it opens their hearts to the beauty of cultures they may not have known about before.”
In addition to being an author, Blake León is a health care professional in the in vitro fertilization field of study. She is based in Pasadena. For more information about the author and her work, visit bleudenimpress.com.
“La Tica Morenita: Traditional Dishes and the Day for People of African Descent” is available for $19.99 (paperback) and $24.99 (hardcover) via BleuDenimpress.com, laticamorenita.com, and Amazon.
