In-Store: Storytime w/ Carlos Matias: Emergency Quarters

Event guidelines:

• All attendees are encouraged to wear face masks at all times.
• RSVP is highly encouraged but not required.
• Additional copies of the event book will be available for purchase in-store.
• The reading will be followed by a book signing.
• As a reminder: If you are not feeling well, please do not come to the event, even if you have a ticket; email us and we'll work it out.

If you have any questions regarding these guidelines or to request accessibility accommodations, please contact [email protected].

Dominican-born, Bronx-raised food writer Carlos Matias and Ezra Jack Keats Award–winning illustrator Gracey Zhang deliver a stunning picture book based on a finalist in the New York Times Metropolitan Diary “Best of the Year,” about a young boy in the city who tries his best to avoid spending his precious quarters on tempting local treats but instead saves them for an “emergency.” Perfect for fans of Matt de La Peña, Antwan Eady, and Jacqueline Woodson.

Ernesto has waited his whoooole life to become a niño grande. A big boy. Now he’s finally old enough to walk the six blocks to school without his parents. Every morning, his mom hands him a shiny new quarter and reminds him they’re for emergencies. If Ernesto needs her, she’s only a payphone call away.

But each day reveals a tempting new treat to enjoy with his friends: crisp packs of baseball cards, arcade games, hot tamales, and fresh juices! Ernesto has the coins jingling in his pocket, so how will he choose to spend them?

Carlos Matias is second-generation Dominican born and raised in Queens. He currently resides in the Bronx, and he received a master’s in branding + integrated communications with a copywriting concentration from City College of New York. His writing has been featured in the New York Times, Taste, Bon Appétit, and Edible Bronx. Emergency Quarters is his first picture book.

Host or Publisher Books Are Magic