In this episode of The Missing Book Podcast, Luz Maria Mack sits down with author Tony Plata to discuss the inspiration behind his children's books Weekend with Papi and The Sweetness of My Island. Together, they explore fatherhood, co-parenting, cultural identity, Puerto Rican history, and the importance of preserving family stories for future generations.

Tony shares his journey from first-time author to self-published creator, the challenges of bringing books to life, and why every family has a story worth telling. This heartfelt conversation highlights the power of representation, oral history, and creating books that help children see themselves and their communities reflected on the page.

✨ Topics discussed:

📚Fatherhood and co-parenting

📚Puerto Rican heritage and migration stories

📚Preserving family history through books

📚Self-publishing and children's literature

📚Turning books into 2D animations

📚Why diverse stories matter

If you enjoy conversations about books, culture, family, and storytelling, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode.

📚 Featured Books: Weekend with Papi, The Sweetness of My Island

🎙️ About The Missing Book Podcast:

Hosted by Luz Maria Mack, The Missing Book Podcast celebrates the authors, illustrators, creators, and storytellers whose work helps fill the gaps on our bookshelves and in our communities.

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