A resilient family rebuilds after the devastation of Hurricane María. “Co-quí, co-quí. Oh, how I love thee!” Elena sings in response to Puerto Rico’s native coquí frogs, which live in the mango tree beside her family’s house. After dark, the air fills with the sound of their song. But this evening, the wind is stronger than usual. There’s a hurricane on the way, and the family must prepare. As rain pours and wind howls, Papi comforts Elena with her song, “Co-quí, co-quí. Oh, how I love thee.” Afterward, the family surveys the damage. The storm has taken their roof and garden and stripped the mango tree. They are without electricity, water, and access to the road. But they are alive. Together with her family and their community, Elena helps clean up, plant seeds, and share food. When things feel hard, the still-living mango tree brings comfort; like Elena, its roots are strong. Finally, buds appear on the tree once again, and although “home has forever changed,” the familiar sound of the coquíes’ song has returned. Back matter provides additional information about the injustices many Puerto Ricans continue to face after Hurricane María. Ultimately hopeful, this story is nonetheless honest in its portrayal of the hurricane’s devastation on Puerto Rico and its inhabitants. (Ages 4-8)

Pura Belpré Honor Book for Children's Text
Pura Belpré Honor Book for Children's Illustration
Chicago Public Library Best Picture Books of 2022
Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee's Best Children's Books of the Year 2023
New York Public Library 2023 New Vibrant Voices Titles for Kids: New Books from Authors of Color

"This book is more than beautiful." - Yuyi Morales, Caldecott Honoree and New York Times bestselling creator of Dreamers

A powerful story about home, community, and hope, inspired by the rebuilding of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017, created by Pura Belpré honor-winning author Karina González and illustrator Krystal Quiles.
Co-quí, co-quí! The coquí frogs sing to Elena from her family’s beloved mango tree—their calls so familiar that they might as well be singing, “You are home, you are safe.” But home is suddenly not safe when a hurricane threatens to destroy everything that Elena knows.

As time passes, Elena, alongside her community, begins to rebuild their home, planting seeds of hope along the way. When the sounds of the coquíes gradually return, they reflect the resilience and strength of Elena, her family, and her fellow Puerto Ricans.

The Coquies Still Sing is also available in Spanish.