Rafi and Rosi

Rafi and Rosi

by Lulu Delacre

Rosi Coquí's brother finds magic everywhere! Rafi Coquí can sort sand with his magic fingers. He can shoot the stars from the sky. He can even find the smallest tree in the forest -- growing down, not up. Then one day Rafi's pet hermit crab runs away. Now it's Rosi's turn to show her brother that she knows where to look for magic, too. Can she find the crab in time for them to watch it shed its shell? This joyful tale of two curious young Puerto Rican tree frogs is charmingly illustrated in brilliant color by acclaimed author and artist Lulu Delacre. Young readers will especially enjoy sounding out a sprinkling of easy Spanish words that add flavor to the story.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Animals, Picture Books, Latinx, Family, Spanish Literature

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Three-time Pura Belpré Award honoree Lulu Delacre has been writing and illustrating children's books since 1980. The New York Times Bestselling artist was born and raised in Puerto Rico to Argentinean parents. Delacre says her Latino heritage and her life experiences inform her work. Her many titles include Arroz con Leche: Popular Songs and Rhymes from Latin America, a Horn Book Fanfare Book in print for over 30 years. Her bilingual picture book ¡Olinguito, de la A a la Z! Descubriendo el bosque nublado; Olinguito, from A to Z! Unveiling the Cloud Forest and her story collection Us, in Progress: Short Stories About Young Latinos have received multiple starred reviews and awards. Among her latest works are the art of Turning Pages by Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Luci Soars. Delacre has lectured internationally and served as a juror for the National Book Awards. She has exhibited at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, The Original Art Show at the Society of Illustrators in New York, the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, and the Zimmerli Art Museum among other venues. Reading is Fundamental honored her with a Champion of Children’s Literacy Award. For more visit her at www.luludelacre.com.

Reviews

[Celia Buell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I said before, I'm really happy to find own voices early reader material for beginning chapter book readers. I really like the sibling relationships in this one, and I think it incorporates even more Puerto Rican culture, geography, and Spanish phrases than the Carnival one.

I think that Rafi and Rosi could be used to get kids excited about science. There's a lack of fiction books about science concepts, and I like that this one can connect across cultures and various interests.

Kids may be able to see their own sibling relationships in Rafi and Rosi as well, especially when they're positive. Older siblings will often play tricks on younger siblings, but will also show that they care for each other. I don't always see this in children's literature, so when I do, it's always a welcome portrayal.

Depending on what level I end up teaching, I would like to have at least some of the Rafi and Rosi books in my future classroom.

*Read for Children's Book Group (Miscellaneous Club) - March 2023 Caribbean Islands - Puerto Rico

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ideal for youngsters who are gaining confidence in their reading and need to continue to practice to enhance fluency, this book features two tree frogs in three different stories. In one, Rafi and Rosi spend time at the beach where Rafi shows Rosi what he claims to be a magic trick. In the next two, Rafi tricks his sister again by claiming to have shot the stars from the sky, and in the third, she helps him find his hermit crab when it somehow manages to escape from its container while Rafi is helping his sister. Back matter includes information about tree frogs, magnets, bioluminescence, mangroves. While rather predictable, the stories are interesting enough to hold young readers' attention. I like having a story set in Puerto Rico, learning a few Spanish words, and the relationship between the two siblings who clearly care about each other.

[Sharyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brother and sister Coqui frogs explore the natural environment of Puerto Rico, including the iron content of sand, bioluminescence in Parguera Bay, mangroves, and hermit crabs. Cute anthropomorphized frogs amid colorful, animal-filled illustrations frame simple 1st or 2nd grade text. Includes additional information about each of the scientific concepts at the back. Curricular connections: science/biology/ecology, Puerto Rico, transition to independent reading.

[La La · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second Rafi and Rosi book and I adored this just as much as the first one I read. The three adventures in this title revolve around science! Magnets, bioluminescence, mangrove trees, and hermit crabs all make an appearance in this book. There is also a convenient language glossary and educational information at the end.

I was aporoved for an eARC, via Edelweiss, in return for an honest review.

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is part of the I Can Read series. Written by Lulu Delacre, two lizard-looking characters Rafi and Rosi go on three different adventures in three separate chapters. The text is complicated and would require a late transitional reader to read independently.

The pictures are typical cartoons with a lot of movement and action.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story about two young sibling coqui frogs and their world in Puerto Rico. The story reveals magnetism, bioluminescent algae, and mangroves in the light adventures of the warm characters.

440L

[Amy Stipp · Rating 4 out of 5]

My second graders love this! Karla saw me reading it and said, Aw, Ms. Stipp, you have Rafi and Rosi at the beach! I love them! I love their adventures at the beach! :)

[Sandra Vicars · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of stories about Rafi and Rosi and their adventures learning about magnetism, algae and seedlings. The stories can be used to supplement science lesons.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! What a great way to teach kids about educational concepts. Loved this book so much.

[Karen]

Rosi and Rafi are sister and brother who live in Puerto Rico. Thet are tree frogs who are always ccurious!

[Diana Pettis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is of adventure between a brother and sister.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Jeimy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rafi and Rosi by Lulu Delacre offers a gentle, culturally rooted story that highlights elements of Puerto Rican life through the perspective of two curious siblings. The inclusion of Spanish vocabulary and references such as piraguas adds authenticity and provides young readers with meaningful cultural touchpoints.

However, while the setting and cultural details are engaging, the narrative itself feels uneven. The characterization of Rafi and Rosi as coquíes is not strongly developed, making it difficult to fully connect with them in that context. The first story in particular lacks a clear sense of purpose, while the third does not fully capitalize on its premise.

The second story stands out as the most effective, especially in its potential to introduce readers to the concept of bioluminescent bays—an element that adds both educational and regional significance. Despite these strengths, the overall collection feels somewhat underwhelming. While the idea of finding magic in everyday moments is present, the execution does not fully deliver on its promise.

[Cheryl A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not enough citizens of the USA know enough about the territory of Puerto Rico. This series will help, and is a delight to read.

I highly recommend the 'upper' Leveled Readers 'Rafi and Rosi' and 'Rafi And Rosi: Carnival!' (I will look for the next ones in the series, too.)

Not only are they STEM friendly, in that they make it clear that science is even more fun than magic, but they also have enriching notes about science and PR culture and Coqui (frogs). And a lovely big brother/little sister dynamic. Humor, a dash of excitement, lots of heart, and charming & apt illustrations.

[Maeve · Rating 3 out of 5]

The antics of two siblings living in Puerto Rico.

[Allie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read from April 24-26

Very cute book about a brother and sister engaging in different topics and story’s and very funny and interesting!

[Elizabeth StClair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una linda historía. Me gusto aprender las palabras puertorriqueñas que no conocía antes.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5