Alex Pardo DeLange
Like Pepita, the character she brought to life in vivid color on the pages of Pepita Talks Twice/Pepita habla dos veces, Alex Pardo DeLange has walked the highway of assimilation between two cultures. Piñata Books' Fall release, Pepita Talks Twice/Pepita habla dos veces, written by Ofelia Dumas Lachtman, is a brightly illustrated bilingual picture book that tells the charming story of a little girl who learns the joy and value of speaking two languages and living within two cultures.
Pardo DeLange was born in Caracas, Venezuela, but moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina at the age of 15 where she finished high school. Later, she came to the U.S.A. where she pursued her studies at the University of Miami, earning a degree in Fine Arts.
"It was very difficult to get used to another culture and to learn a different language in the beginning," says Pardo DeLange. "But it was all worth it!"
Pardo DeLange started her career in art as a freelancer for design and advertising agencies. When she moved to San Antonio four years ago, she took the plunge to bring a lifelong dream to reality.
"I love illustrating children's books," Pardo DeLange says. "It gives me the freedom to create fun and interesting characters, and to bring them to life."
Pepita is an active, determined and energetic little girl and Pardo DeLange's illustrations literally leap off the page with the same boundless energy and life.
Working in ink and watercolor, Pardo DeLange begins illustrating often with the early drafts of the manuscript. She relies on the written words, rather than on the author, to draw inspiration for her creations. As the manuscript changes, her characters evolve and transform themselves to parallel the story.
Pardo DeLange lives in San Antonio with her husband and two children with a third one along the way.
Reviews
Pepita Talks Twice / Pepita habla dos vecesOfelia Dumas Lachtman
Illustrated by Alex Pardo DeLange
Pepita is tired of people who ask for her help because she can speak both Spanish and English. She wants to get home before her brother Juan so she can teach her dog Lobo a new trick. Therefore, she decides she no longer will speak Spanish. However, she later realizes the importance of speaking two languages when she must use Spanish to save Lobo's life. The story, with its text in both English and Spanish, will delight children who speak either language. 1995, Piñata Books, Ages 6 to 10, $14.95. Reviewer: Tim Whitney
ISBN: 1-55885-077-5
Pepita Thinks Pink/Pepita y el color rosado
Ofelia Dumas Lachtman
Illustrated by Alex Pardo Delange
Pepita doesn't like pink--nothing pink. When a new family with a girl her age moves in next door, Pepita learns that her new neighbor loves pink. Her clothes are pink, her skin is pink--everything is pink. Pepita's family and an opportunity to meet and talk to Sonya, make Pepita think. She learns that no matter what color people are, they are people, and they have the same feelings that she does. It is a bit pedantic, but the message is positive and the point is well taken. 1998, Piñata/Arte Público, Ages 4 to 9, $14.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 1-55885-222-0
Added 1999
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