Alberto Salas Plays Paka Paka Con la Papa

This vibrant picture book biography introduces young readers to Alberto Salas, a celebrated Peruvian agricultural scientist known as "the godfather of potatoes." The story frames his crucial work of finding and preserving wild potato varieties in the Andes mountains as an exciting game of "paka paka con la papa," or potato hide-and-seek. It beautifully illustrates how one person's passion for science can have a global impact, addressing themes of biodiversity, food security, and climate change in an accessible, hopeful way. With lush illustrations by Caldecott-honoree Juana Martinez-Neal, it's an inspiring read for children aged 4-11, showing how joy and curiosity drive important scientific discovery.

What can a potato do? To Peruvian scientist Alberto Salas, they have the power to change the world. Go on the hunt with Alberto for for wild potatoes before they go extinct in this playful picture book biography, gorgeously illustrated by Caldecott-honoree Juana Martinez-Neal. High up in the Andes mountains of Peru, agricultural scientist Alberto Salas is on a quest. A quest... for potatoes. Up and down the Andes mountains he goes, playing an epic game of paka paka con la papa, potato hide and seek. These potatoes are special: they have the power to feed the world. Alberto doesn't have a second to waste. The climate is changing and Alberto must find each and every one to save them before they go extinct. The game is on! Alberto races and peers and prods. Drives and trods and climbs. Will he find the potato he seeks? Will he win the game of paka paka con la papa? Author Sara Andrea Fajardo’s spirited biography about “the godfather of potatoes” is paired with lush art by Caldecott-honoree Juana Martinez-Neal to capture how celebrated scientist Alberto Salas brings joy, curiosity, and fun to his very important, life-changing work. ¡También disponible en español!