Chiquis The Dreamer Clown, available in English and Spanish editions, pairs social-emotional learning tools with the importance of pursuing big dreams.
With a fresh wave of recognition from the 2026 International Latino Book Awards, author Debora Menieur Nunez is expanding access to her celebrated children’s book by unveiling a new digital home. The site serves as both a resource hub and a bridge to independent bookstores nationwide, making it easier for families and educators to find the story.
I want children to have tools to process their emotions, move through difficult days, and know they can accomplish great things no matter the obstacles.”— Debora Menieur NunezALLENTOWN, PA, UNITED STATES, October 24, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Author Debora Menieur Nunez has announced the launch of chiquisclown.com, the official website for her award-winning children’s book, Chiquis The Dreamer Clown (English) and Chiquis La Payasa Soñadora (Spanish).
The launch follows double recognition at the 2026 International Latino Book Awards. The English edition won the Gold Medal for Best Children’s Picture Book Translation (Spanish to English), while the original Spanish edition earned an Honorable Mention for the Alma Flor Ada Best Latino-Focused Children’s Picture Book Award.
Written for children ages 4 to 7 (Preschool through 2nd Grade) and illustrated by Mexican artist Jose A. Bernal Navarrete, the story follows Chiquis, a clown born in the Caribbean who faces everyday challenges while balancing responsibilities and keeping her dreams alive. Drawing from Menieur Nunez’s Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, the character was directly inspired by her sister Hilca’s professional clown training and early childhood education background. The book is made for story time at home, classrooms, libraries, and social-emotional learning programs.
“I wrote this story with Latino children like my niece and nephew in mind,” said Menieur Nunez. “I want children to have tools to process their emotions, move through difficult days, and know they can accomplish great things no matter the obstacles.”
Through the website, families and educators can explore the book’s social-emotional learning themes and use an interactive directory connecting readers to over 400 verified independent bookstores carrying the book across all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 14 countries. Readers can also purchase hardcover copies through Barnes & Noble.
About the Author
Debora M. Menieur Nunez is a Puerto Rican and Dominican author, speaker, and public servant. Her work has spanned university settings, national advocacy organizations, and local and federal government, where she has focused on how education systems can more intentionally serve children and families. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo, as the first Truman Scholar from her campus, and holds a Master of Education Policy and Analysis from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she contributed to research on AI in education at the Child-Centered AI Lab. Inspired by her Caribbean roots, she creates stories that help children explore their emotions, celebrate who they are, and dream with confidence.
Debora M. Menieur Nunez
@chiquisclown
info@chiquisclown.com
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Why it matters: By pairing a celebrated story with a practical directory of over 400 bookstores, this launch gives parents and teachers a direct pathway to culturally relevant, emotionally supportive literature. It underscores a growing push to make social-emotional learning tools accessible in both English and Spanish-speaking communities across the globe.
