Author Profile
Gary Soto
3 Books
Gary Soto is an American poet, novelist, and children’s author known for realistic stories rooted in Mexican American family life, friendship, school, and growing up in California. His books include the story collection Baseball in April and Other Stories, the novel Buried Onions, and the humorous Chato picture books, as well as poetry collections such as A Fire in My Hands. His work often combines everyday humor with thoughtful observations about identity, community, and adolescence.
Books in "Chato"
Chato is one cool East L.A. cat, and when a family of little mice moves into the barrio, he sees the perfect chance to be neighborly. Very neighborly. He and Novio Boy start cooking a feast with tortillas, beans, salsa, enchiladas, and plenty of delicious plans.
But Chato’s idea of dinner is not quite the same as his guests’ idea of dinner. The mice are cheerful, polite, and not nearly as worried as Chato expects. Even better, they bring someone along who may change the whole menu.
Chato’s Kitchen is a wickedly funny picture book full of food, Spanish words, barrio flavor, bold illustrations, and a cat whose clever plan may not be as clever as he thinks.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
36 Pages
Chato and Novio Boy are ready for a dream cruise, but the moment they step aboard, something is wrong. This is not a cool cat vacation. The ship is packed with dogs, dog games, dog treats, and far too much barking for two low-riding cats from the barrio.
Trying to enjoy themselves is hard enough. Then the dogs party, snack, and race around until they are in real trouble. When Chato and Novio Boy look for help, they discover the cruise they meant to take all along, and suddenly they must choose between joining the fun and keeping their word.
Chato Goes Cruisin’ is a lively ocean adventure full of jokes, loyalty, Spanish-flavored wordplay, and comic energy on every page.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Chato loves a good pachanga, and when he learns that his best friend Novio Boy has never had a birthday party, he knows exactly what to do. He will throw the biggest, coolest, tastiest surprise party in the barrio.
Soon Chato is inviting the neighborhood, planning music, arranging food, thinking about cake, and making sure every party detail is just right. There is only one problem: when the celebration is ready to begin, Novio Boy is nowhere to be found.
Chato and the Party Animals is a bright, funny picture book about friendship, birthdays, community, and one enthusiastic cat who remembers almost everything. Spanish words and lively illustrations make the celebration feel noisy, warm, and full of heart.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
