Texas Grade Schoolers Published Their First Book

Eight young students at Crystal Montessori School just signed their first-ever book deal, and they’re not even in middle school yet.

Ages 5 to 9, these creative kids co-wrote a magical children’s book called La Historia de la Selva Mágica (The Story of the Magic Jungle), which will be published by local indie press Peanut Publishing.

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Story About Friendship and Courage Written by Local Students

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Each student created an animal character, from colorful jungle creatures like jaguars, monkeys, and butterflies, and helped craft a story about friendship, courage, and understanding. The final result is a heartwarming tale where eight animals team up to befriend a creature they’re all a little scared of. It’s got a moral, some serious imagination, and a whole lot of heart.

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Students Celebrate With Contracts and a Publishing Lesson

On May 1, the kids signed official contracts, complete with a $50 check for their work, and celebrated with their teacher, Mitzi Baidón, and Peanut Publishing’s founder, Sahily Loya Cuellar. Loya Cuellar even gave the students a lesson in contracts before the big moment. You’ve got to love a real-world learning moment with some major “wow” factor.

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When and Where to Buy This El Paso Children’s Book

The book is set to release in summer 2025, and when it does, you’ll be able to grab your copy at Crystal Montessori, Duck Duck Goose Children’s Shoppe, or through Peanut Publishing’s Instagram.

At Iris & Grizz in the Morning, we’re especially excited because we actually interviewed Peanut Publishing’s first author, Deanna Salcido Gutierrez, who wrote El Paso Placita: A Tour For A Little Señorita. And now this new generation is stepping up and putting their stories into the world, one page at a time.

So big congrats to these young authors and to El Paso for nurturing such bright, creative minds! Check out photos of their publishing day with the red carpet rolled out by Peanut Publishing over at KTSM!