The Madre de Aguas of Cuba

Critically acclaimed author Emma Otheguy joins Newbery Honor-winning Adam Gidwitz as co-author of the newest adventure in the NYT bestselling Unicorn Rescue Society series as the kids travel to Cuba to help the legendary Madre de aguas.

In Cuba, it is believed that a mysterious water serpent—the Madre de aguas—is responsible for providing and protecting the fresh water of the island. But the serpent is missing, and a drought has gripped the island. Uchenna, Elliot, and Professor Fauna fly to Cuba and endeavor to rescue the Madre de aguas. Unfortunately, it tries to kill them. Meanwhile, the Schmoke Brothers' goons are driving around Havana, dumping pink sludge into the sewers.

What is going on? Can Elliot and Uchenna end the drought? Stop the Schmokes? Or will the creature they are trying to save just eat them instead?

About the Authors

Adam Gidwitz grew up in Baltimore, USA. Now he lives in Brooklyn and teaches kids large and slightly less large at Saint Ann's School. Adam always writes about things that he's experienced personally. So, while all of the dark and grim things in this book really did happen to Hansel and Gretel, they also happened to Adam. Of course, if you've ever had a childhood, they've probably happened to you too. Want to hear more about Adam's harrowing experiences? Visit him online at www.adamgidwitz.com

Emma Otheguy is the author of the middle grade novel Silver Meadows Summer, and picture books Martí's Song for Freedom, which received five starred reviews, and Pope Francis: Builder of Bridges. A native and current resident of New York City, Emma is a historian of Spain and colonial Latin America. Learn more about her online at emmaotheguy.com and @emmaotheguy.

About the Illustrator

Hatem Aly is an Egyptian-born illustrator whose work has been featured in multiple publications worldwide. He currently lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada, with his wife, son, and more pets than people. His illustrated work includes the Newbery Honor winner The Inquisitor's Tale by Adam Gidwitz, the Unicorn Rescue Society series also by Adam Gidwitz with several amazing contributing authors, the Story Pirates book series with Geoff Rodkey and Jacqueline West, early readers series Meet Yasmin with Saadia Faruqi, and How to Feed Your Parents by Ryan Miller. He has more upcoming books and projects in the works. You can find him online @metahatem.