Debora Menieur Nunez launches website for award-winning SEL children’s book

Debora Menieur Nunez has launched chiquisclown.com for her English and Spanish children’s book, Chiquis The Dreamer Clown / Chiquis La Payasa Soñadora, after the title won and was recognized at the 2026 International Latino Book Awards. The site adds a directory of more than 400 independent bookstores across the U.S., Puerto Rico and 14 countries, plus purchase options and social-emotional learning resources.

Why it matters: - The launch gives families, teachers and librarians a new hub for a children’s book built around social-emotional learning and big-dream encouragement. - The site also makes the book easier to find, with a directory that connects readers to more than 400 verified independent bookstores in the U.S., Puerto Rico and 14 countries. - The book’s bilingual reach and award recognition increase its visibility in classrooms, libraries and home reading time.

What happened: - Debora Menieur Nunez launched chiquisclown.com, the official website for Chiquis The Dreamer Clown and its Spanish edition, Chiquis La Payasa Soñadora. - The launch followed double recognition at the 2026 International Latino Book Awards. - The English edition won Gold Medal for Best Children’s Picture Book Translation (Spanish to English). - The original Spanish edition received an Honorable Mention for the Alma Flor Ada Best Latino-Focused Children’s Picture Book Award.

The details: - Chiquis The Dreamer Clown is written for children ages 4 to 7, or preschool through second grade. - Mexican artist Jose A. Bernal Navarrete illustrated the book. - The story follows Chiquis, a clown born in the Caribbean, as she handles everyday challenges while balancing responsibilities and keeping her dreams alive. - Menieur Nunez drew on her Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage for the character. - The character was directly inspired by her sister Hilca’s professional clown training and early childhood education background. - The book is positioned for story time at home, classrooms, libraries and social-emotional learning programs. - Menieur Nunez said she wrote the story with Latino children like her niece and nephew in mind. - Menieur Nunez said she wants children to have tools to process emotions, move through difficult days and know they can accomplish great things no matter the obstacles. - The website lets families and educators explore the book’s social-emotional learning themes. - The site includes an interactive directory tied to more than 400 verified independent bookstores carrying the book. - Readers can also purchase hardcover copies through Barnes & Noble.

Between the lines: - The project sits at the intersection of bilingual publishing, cultural representation and early childhood emotional learning. - The bookstore directory signals a push beyond direct-to-consumer sales toward broader classroom and community adoption. - The awards help validate the book’s translation and Latino-focused storytelling, which can matter for educators and librarians choosing multicultural titles.

What's next: - Families and educators can use the new website to learn more about the book and locate stores carrying it. - The book’s wider distribution across states, territories and countries gives Menieur Nunez a platform to grow readership beyond her immediate audience. - Social media channels tied to the project remain active for updates and outreach.

The bottom line: - Chiquis The Dreamer Clown is now packaged as both an award-winning bilingual children’s book and a discovery platform for readers, schools and bookstores.