Jerry Tello comes from a family where the sharing of stories has always been central to growing and learning. As he became a father and read books to his children, he found that there was a very limited number of children's books that reflected Mexican, Indigenous culture. Working in communities and sharing culturally-based stories with families, he also began receiving requests from parents for books of the stories so that they could read them to their children.
Around this time, he met a wonderful artist, Ramon Ramirez who agreed to illustrate their first book, Trenzas Bonitas and the Barrio Bears. Jerry made several attempts to get the book accepted by a major publisher, but was rejected due to the cultural and spiritual inclusions, such as the picture of the Virgen de Guadalupe above Papa Bear’s bed. It was decided not to compromise and to start an independent company named Sueños Publications LLC in 1993.
Since then, Sueños Publications LLC has continued to publish a growing number of culturally-based books for both children and adults.
Around this time, he met a wonderful artist, Ramon Ramirez who agreed to illustrate their first book, Trenzas Bonitas and the Barrio Bears. Jerry made several attempts to get the book accepted by a major publisher, but was rejected due to the cultural and spiritual inclusions, such as the picture of the Virgen de Guadalupe above Papa Bear’s bed. It was decided not to compromise and to start an independent company named Sueños Publications LLC in 1993.
Since then, Sueños Publications LLC has continued to publish a growing number of culturally-based books for both children and adults.
