Father-daughter duo writes children’s book based on iconic Hispanic saying

Sana, sana, colita de rana. Si no sana hoy, sanará mañana.

HOUSTON – “Heal, heal, frog’s butt,” is the literal translation of the iconic Hispanic saying sana, sana, colita de rana.

“It’s something we grew up hearing. Caregivers say [it] when you get hurt or scrapped,” Ashlee Campbell, co-author of “Señora Sanasana,” said.

Campbell, who is Peruvian-Canadian, started writing a book to celebrate her Hispanic heritage.

The writer’s publisher advised the book should rhyme and that’s when she turned to her father, Duncan Cambell. Campbell writes poetry for children.

“I ran downstairs of my house, and I said, ‘Dad, will you help me with this story?’” she told KPRC 2+ Now.

He quickly agreed and started working on the project.

Ashlee explained although her father is Canadian, he studied and learned Spanish in Peru, where he met and fell in love with her mother.

“Senora Sanasana” is primarily in English with Spanish words intertwined throughout. The book also offers a glossary that helps readers pronounce Spanish words.

“If you are bilingual, if you use Spanish at home, it will feel like a celebration of your culture,” Campbell said.

To learn about the book and where to purchase it, click here.


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