What You’ll Learn

At an “Unworkshop,” time is yours to spend as you please. No structure. No schedule. We’ll provide you with comfortable lodging and three great meals a day. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel right at home and fussed over. We’ll furnish a peaceful setting that lets you focus solely on your work, currently just $149/day.

Who Should Attend

All are welcome!

Agenda

At an “Unworkshop,” time is yours to spend as you please. No structure. No schedule. We’ll provide you with comfortable lodging and three great meals a day.

Resources

The reception launches our 2019 Visual Arts Exhibit, which features Angela’s art from Sing, Don’t Cry (Henry Holt, August 2017.) Here’s a look at some of Angela’s wonderful artwork from the book!

About the Book
“In this semiautobiographical picture book, Dominguez honors the memory of her grandfather Apolinar, whose music and optimism had a great effect on her. Every year, Abuelo visits from Mexico, bringing his guitar and his joyful outlook. “He would tell us about his life, and if we were sad about something, he would say, ‘Sing, don’t cry. Because singing gladdens the heart.’?” Abuelo advises that loss can open the door for new opportunities. As Abuelo narrates, the illustrations depict three vignettes of life and loss. One vignette references real events from Apolinar’s life (a childhood accident, being alone in a new city), and the other two follow the children in the story, showing everyday troubles such as bullying, losing a beloved toy, failing a test, and not making the team. The examples from Apolinar’s lived history prove that the refrain isn’t an empty platitude, demonstrating how his positive outlook impacted the events of his life, leading him toward happiness. Dominguez expertly employs color to move the narrative along, interspersing the full-color illustrations of the present-day visit with Abuelo with more monochromatic recollections of the past. Apolinar’s scenes are in sepia, and the children’s are tinged with reds and blues, coordinating with their clothing. This is indeed a book with a moral, but its roots in family history make it authentic, heartfelt, and relatable rather than didactic. VERDICT With its straightforward text; large, clear illustrations; and joyful message about dealing with adversity, this is a wonderful choice for group sharing. Recommended for all libraries.”–School Library Journal

Testimonials

“With its uplifting message and smiling characters, Dominguez’s story reminds readers that life’s woes are inevitable but can be mitigated by a song in the heart.”–Booklist (starred review)

“With its straightforward text; large, clear illustrations; and joyful message about dealing with adversity, this is a wonderful choice for group sharing. Recommended for all libraries.”–School Library Journal (starred review)