Rafael Ros of Editorial Corombo talks to ARS about their latest releases, how their books can be found in the United States and his recommended titles for the American readers.
What genres does Editorial Corimbo specialize in?
Editorial Corimbo was founded 16 years ago in partnership with the French publishing house L'école des Loisirs. A month ago it became independent when Mr. Rafael Ros purchased the French shares in the company. Corimbo specializes in books for children up to 7 years of age.
How can your books be obtained in the United States?
Through our exclusive distributor, Lectorum. I met Teresa Mlawer (it is not necessary to introduce her) many years ago at a LIBER fair and since that first meeting, she completely placed her trust in our books. Today we continue that close professional and personal relationship with Alex Correa, the current owner of Lectorum.
What books or collections would you recommend for the reading public in the United States?
• Nublado con posibilidades de albóndigas (Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs) by Judi and Ron Barret. The story of a small town where food falls from the sky.
• Arándanos para Sal (Blueberries for Sal) by Robert McCloskey. This is a new translation of one the great classics of American children's literature and a Caldecott Honor Book of 1948.
• Hay un cocodrilo debajo de mi cama (There's an Alligator Under My Bed) by Mercer Mayer. Published in 1987, this story of a boy who has an alligator under his bed has become a classic, constantly reprinted, and is an excellent antidote to nighttime fears.
Our CORIMAX collection, a selection of our best publications in soft cover and pocket book editions.
Editorial Corimbo is now making available to children who read Spanish some of the most important and classic titles of North American literature, such as Buenas noches, Luna (Goodnight Moon) by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd, La filarmónica se viste (The Philharmonic Gets Dressed) by Karla Kuskin and Marc Simont (Release in Fall 2013), and Feliz cumpleaños, Luna (Happy Birthday, Moon) by Frank Asch.
What are some of your most recent releases?
• Hay un cocodrilo debajo de mi cama (There's an Alligator Under My Bed)by Mercer Mayer. This tale provides an excellent way of overcoming nighttime fears.
• En el prado (In the Meadow) by Yukiko Kato and Komako Sakai. A small girl gets lost in the meadow after following a butterfly. Her mother arrives just at the right moment.
• Bebés en todas partes (Everywhere Babies) by Susan Meyers. Every day, babies are born everywhere. They are kissed, clothed, fed and completely adored by their families.
• El secreto de Luis (Luis's Secret) by Mario Ramos. Luis, a young wolf, arrives at a school for piglets. Luis is lonely and seems sad. Can he find a place in a world of piggies?
