Welcome!
¡Bienvenidos!
I’m Anna, a children’s author, NFEC-Certified Financial Educator (CFEI), and café-con-leche fanatic.
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That’s me, sitting under the real-life Tree Of Hope in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Tree of Hope
INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS, IS MY DEBUT PICTURE BOOK.
The jagüey blanco, also known as a banyan tree, of the San Juan Gate is one of the most beloved trees in the city of Old San Juan, located on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico. Due to its sheer size, magnificence, and location.
For over a century, it stood proudly next to the tall red gateway known as the San Juan Gate, or the Puerta de San Juan.
On September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria made its devastating landfall in Puerto Rico. It was the worst natural disaster on record to hit the island, causing widespread flooding and a complete collapse of the island’s electrical grid and water systems. People were sadly left without running water and in complete darkness for months.
It also destroyed much of the island’s nature, including the magnificent jagüey blanco, which was uprooted and fell into the sea.
The Tree Of Hope is inspired by the tree’s miraculous rescue and regrowth; a reminder of the power of community and the importance of never giving up.
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pdf about the book
RECOGNIZED BY BANK STREET COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AS
One of the "Best Children's Book of the Year - 2023 Edition"
VIEW THE ARTICLE
My Journey
family | Puerto Rico | LOVE
I was born and raised on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean. I grew up in a multicultural home, surrounded by family and music. My Titi Provi & Tío Chago’s country home in Corozal was my favorite place in the world. It was a humble house, but one where the love for family, home-cooked food, and melodies always flowed in abundance.
I remember spending countless hours walking around the countryside, picking fruit straight from the trees, visiting cousins, and learning to cook typical Puerto Rican dishes. It’s also where my love for nature and stories was born.
That’s me in the pink dress (fashion trends were quite different back in the day), with my parents and siblings.
That’s also me in my mommy’s arms. It was taken many years ago at my Titi Provi & Tío Chago’s country home in Corozal, Puerto Rico.
It was a humble place where the love for family, home-cooked food, and music always flowed in abundance.
It was actually my grandfather, Barnet, who encouraged me to write those stories down. He was my biggest cheerleader.
learn about my book
FOR TICKETS
Dreamland
location:
Sunday, 22nd October, 12pm-12:50pm
date:
Margate Bookie Literary Festival
event:
for more info
randalls' island urban farm
new york
location:
saturday, october 1, 11:00am
date:
Boogie Down Storytime
event:
for more info
LATINX KIDLIT BOOK FESTIVAL
location:
saturday, october 13, 1:00pm
date:
Storytime For All Ages
event:
Save the Date
Meet anna
Through the Years
education | jobs | the future
When I was in high school, I was very active in bringing all kinds of stories to life through English Forensics competitions; which combine acting with public speaking. I was pretty good at it and won a few awards (check out my proud parents).
Later on, I went to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Originally, I wanted to be a doctor, but ended up working for a very long time in the world of finance, in both New York and London.
Even though that job was full of numbers, it also involved some dramatic arts (just like back in high school). That’s me doing multiple trades with clients!
Now, I empower others with financial education and write children's books.
Resources For the Classroom
IN SPANISH
IN ENGISH
This guide offers activities to help teachers integrate The Tree of Hope into the classroom.
MORE IMAGES
“The Tree of Hope is a delightful and moving tale, told with great charm and vigour. It’s message is – as the title suggests – one of hope, courage, resourcefulness, and endurance. The illustrations and text work beautifully together to tell and important and inspiring story.”
- Anthony McGowan
English Author & 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal for Lark
"...this meaningful story evades didacticism and links the tree’s resilience with the fortitude of Puerto Ricans determined to rebuild their lives. People are pictured with different skin tones, reflecting the diversity of Puerto Rico."
Kirkus Reviews
read the entire review >
"A powerful debut picture book about community, the determination of the Puerto Rican people, and a majestic and resilient tree. Purchase for all picture book collections."
- School Library Journal
Fun Facts About
Anna
Aside from teaching and writing, I love to read, travel, cook and spend time with my husband and our two cats.
these are our two fun & crazy cats (who love to appear in all my Zoom calls), so if we do a virtual classroom visit or interview, you can expect them to show up too!
That’s me in Antarctica, where I got to learn a lot of very cool things and spend time with penguins.
(I even brought my country’s flag with me on the trip).
Chicken & Frog Bookshop - Brentwood, Essex
12/3/22
Storytelling with Anna Orenstein-Cardona - Discover Children's Story Centre in London
11/26/22
BOOK READING & CHAT JARDIN Botánico - University of Puerto Rico
9/24/22
BOOGIE DOWN STORYTIME -RANDALLS' ISLAND URBAN FARM NEW YORK
10/1/22
STORYTIME FOR ALL AGES - LATINX KIDLIT BOOK FESTIVAL
10/13/22
Places I've Visited
past events
"The Tree of Hope is a beautiful story of resilience, not only of a beloved, ancient tree, but of a proud community as well. This is the kind of book the world needs right now."
- matt de la peña
Newberry Medal Winner and New York Times bestselling author
"Uplifting. In this story el Jagüey Blanco stands in for the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Puerto Rican people.”
- Lulu Delacre
Pura Belpré Honoree and New York Times bestselling illustrator
“This story reminds us that by working together, we can all make a change in our communities and help our planet.”
- Chitra Soundar
Indian-born British award-winning author
Copyright Anna Orenstein-Cardona 2022 | Designed By Coffee and Flow Creative
As well as a children’s author, I am also a NFEC-Certified Financial Educator (CFEI). By clicking the link below, you will be directed to my blog specifically dedicated to my journey as an author.
My Children's Writing Journey
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