For families seeking a children’s book that validates big feelings while inspiring confidence, Chiquis The Dreamer Clown offers a warm, culturally rooted solution. Written by author Debora Menieur Nunez and illustrated by Mexican artist Jose A. Bernal Navarrete, this bilingual picture book follows Chiquis, a clown born in the Caribbean who faces everyday challenges while balancing responsibilities and keeping her dreams alive. The story is available in both English and Spanish editions, making it accessible to a wide range of young readers and families.
The book stands out not only for its heartfelt narrative but also for its thoughtful pairing of social-emotional learning (SEL) tools with the theme of pursuing big dreams. It draws from Menieur Nunez’s Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage, and the character was directly inspired by her sister’s professional clown training and early childhood education background. The result is a story that feels authentic, gentle, and empowering.
What Is Chiquis The Dreamer Clown?
Chiquis The Dreamer Clown is a children’s picture book aimed at readers ages 4 to 7, or preschool through second grade. The story introduces Chiquis, a clown who encounters everyday obstacles but learns to notice her feelings, move through difficult moments, and believe in herself. With warm, accessible language, the book helps children understand that emotions change from day to day and that they can try again after setbacks.
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Alongside the book, the author has launched chiquisclown.com, an official website that provides an interactive directory of over 400 verified independent bookstores carrying the book across all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 14 other countries. This directory makes it easy for families and educators to find a local store that stocks the title, supporting small businesses in the process.
What Stands Out
Bilingual Edition
The book is published in both English and Spanish, allowing caregivers and educators to choose the language that best suits their child or classroom. The Spanish edition, Chiquis La Payasa Soñadora, maintains the same gentle tone and SEL focus, making it a valuable resource for bilingual families and dual-language programs.
Social-Emotional Learning Themes
The story seamlessly weaves in five core SEL themes: resilience, emotional awareness, self-control, gratitude, and dreaming big. Each theme is explored through Chiquis’s experiences, giving children concrete examples of how to handle difficult feelings and build confidence. This intentional structure makes the book especially useful for counseling sessions, classroom discussions, and story time.
Independent Bookstore Directory
The website’s interactive map is a standout feature. Users can select a state, territory, or country to see a list of local independent bookstores that carry the book, along with addresses and contact information. This directory currently lists 382 stores in the U.S. plus 24 international locations, making it a practical tool for families who want to shop locally.
Award-Winning Recognition
Chiquis The Dreamer Clown has earned double recognition at the 2026 International Latino Book Awards. The English edition won the Gold Medal for Best Children’s Picture Book Translation, while the Spanish edition received an Honorable Mention for the Alma Flor Ada Best Latino-Focused Children’s Picture Book Award. These accolades underscore the quality and cultural significance of the work.
Who It’s For
This book is primarily designed for young children ages 4 to 7, but it also serves as a valuable tool for parents, teachers, librarians, and counselors. The themes of emotional regulation and perseverance are presented in a way that resonates with early elementary students, and the bilingual format makes it inclusive for Spanish-speaking households and English learners.
Educators looking for SEL resources will find the book easy to incorporate into lesson plans, and the accompanying website provides additional context about each theme. Families who value supporting independent bookstores will appreciate the curated directory, which saves time searching for a local retailer.
What Makes It Worth Considering
Beyond its charming illustrations and relatable protagonist, Chiquis The Dreamer Clown excels at giving children a vocabulary for their feelings. The narrative does not shy away from the reality that some days are hard, but it always circles back to hope, gratitude, and the idea that every day is another chance to try again. This balance of honesty and optimism is rare in picture books and makes the story a lasting addition to any home or school library.
The companion website adds significant value by connecting readers to a national and international network of independent bookstores. For families who prefer to shop online, the book is also available through major retailers like Barnes & Noble. The combination of a quality book and a practical resource makes this offering particularly thoughtful.
Verdict
Chiquis The Dreamer Clown is a heartfelt, culturally rich picture book that gives young children tools to understand emotions and keep dreaming. The bilingual editions, award-winning quality, and free bookstore directory make it a standout choice for families and educators alike.
Frequently asked questions
The book is written for children ages 4 to 7, or preschool through second grade.
Yes, the English edition is titled Chiquis The Dreamer Clown and the Spanish edition is Chiquis La Payasa Sou00f1adora.
Yes, chiquisclown.com offers an interactive directory of over 400 independent bookstores that carry the book, as well as information on social-emotional learning themes.
Hardcover copies are available through Barnes & Noble and through the independent bookstores listed on the website.
The illustrations were created by Mexican artist Jose A. Bernal Navarrete.
The English edition won a Gold Medal for Best Children's Picture Book Translation at the 2026 International Latino Book Awards, and the Spanish edition received an Honorable Mention.
Yes, it is designed for story time at home, classrooms, libraries, and social-emotional learning programs.
