by Rudolfo Anaya
with illustrations by Nicolás Otero and translation by Nasario García

How Chile Came to New Mexico is the exciting tale of how New Mexico’s premier crop came to the Land of Enchantment. The story shows the importance of Native Americans who helped bring chile to New Mexico through a long journey with many dangers. Intertwined in the book is love and romance and the story of the influence of many cultures in New Mexico’s history. This is the second book in the award-winning series – the first, How Hollyhocks Came to New Mexico, also featured the storytelling of Rudolfo Anaya, the art of santero Nicolás Otero, and the translation of Nasario García.

Award-Winning Series:
Best Book, New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards, Pabilita Velarde Award from the Historical Society of New Mexico, and Best Book, Southwest Book Design Award

Rudolfo Anaya, the premiere Hispanic author, has won many awards including the National Endowment for the Arts Medal of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award for his writing. He is a native New Mexican and has written many books for adults and children including: The Santero’s Miracle, The Farolitos of Christmas, The First Tortilla, and the book that started it all, Bless Me Ultima.

Nicolás Otero, an award-winning santero (a painter and carver of religious art in New Mexico), exhibits in Traditional Spanish Market in Santa Fe as well as the Heard Museum Spanish Market in Phoenix. He teaches middle school art and lives in Los Lunas with his wife and new baby.

Nasario García, an award-winning author and teacher, documents oral histories of New Mexico. His latest books include Fe y Tragedias and An Indelible Imprint. He is a longtime friend of Rudolfo and lives in Santa Fe with his wife.