Spanish-Speaking Iguana Turns Three

by Ximena Diego -- Críticas, 6/15/2008

This bimonthly publication, which is now celebrating its third anniversary, could well become a staple for Spanish-language readers. It has a wide variety of well-written, accessible articles that even adults will find fascinating—like, in the May/June issue, a profile of Malinche by René Colato Lainez, a science piece about a female shark that hatched an egg without ever being fertilized, and a portrait of a 10-year-old girl living in Japan.

Críticas talked to Christianne Meneses Jacobs, cofounder, editor, and publisher of Iguana, about the magazine’s origins, content, and goals. A first-grade teacher at Garfield Elementary School in Phoeniz, AZ, and the recipient of the Anna Maria Arias Memorial Business Fund Award last year for her innovative service to the Hispanic community, Meneses Jacobs is also the mother of two (Isabelle, 6, and Katherine, 2) and the wife of Iguana’s cofounder, Marc Jacobs.

You are publishing the only Spanish-language children’s magazine. How did the idea come about?

When my oldest daughter was two she became more interested in words and books. As a teacher, I knew that it was important to expose her to Spanish through reading. I searched for books and magazines in Spanish that were not translations of English-language works. However, I discovered that it was difficult to find quality literature written in Spanish. My husband and I realized that a magazine could deliver a variety of original Spanish-language materials for parents. We researched the idea for over a year. Many librarians and teachers told us that they had never seen a Spanish-language children’s magazine and enthusiastically embraced our idea. After speaking to authors, illustrators, and parents, we launched a sample issue in 2004. We then launched the premiere issue of Iguana in May 2005. Our goals are to encourage parents to read to their children in Spanish, for children to feel proud of being bilingual.

Who financed the project?

My husband and I initially used our own savings and personally financed the launch of the magazine. Since Iguana does not contain advertising, it sustains itself through subscriptions. Last year, Wells Fargo Bank sponsored a single-page series that taught children about financial literacy. [The company] continues its support this year.

How many subscribers do you have?

We have about 1000 subscribers. We are not a big corporation with a big marketing budget, so most people find us through word of mouth, at libraries, schools, and on the Internet.

How large is your staff?

I don’t have a staff. My husband, Marc Jacobs, is Iguana’s art director and I am the editor and publisher. As the editor, I decide the content and direction for every issue. As a publisher, I seek support and travel to promote the magazine. Our four copy editors help me proofread and revise the grammar for all the articles. Iguana’s writers are native Spanish-speaking children’s writers in the United States and throughout Latin America. Our illustrators are not all Spanish-speakers and come from every corner of the world.

Iguana is packed with articles. It is clearly for children who like to read in Spanish. Aren’t you afraid that Hispanics aged 7 to 12 will want to read in English to be like their peers?

The majority of [our readers] are bilingual and easily switch from one language to the other. In English, there are a number of magazines they can pick from. However, Iguana is unique, and the parents and children will not find similar content in other magazines. It provides Latino children with the opportunity to experience their culture and heritage, feel proud of their origins, and improve their Spanish-language skills.

What response have you been getting from educators, parents, and librarians?

We have received a very enthusiastic response from teachers, especially those in bilingual and dual-language schools. Parents are delighted that they can pick up the magazine and read to and with their children. Librarians are the most enthusiastic because they see its educational value and they can offer an alternative for their Hispanic patrons.

Any surprises in terms of who is reading the magazine and how it is being used/read?

Most definitely! It surprised us to learn that many Anglo families are discovering Iguana and subscribing for their children who attend Spanish-immersion schools or dual-language programs. We also receive many subscriptions from adults who are learning Spanish. Several nonprofit parent organizations are using our magazine to promote literacy at home.

Where can librarians, teachers, and bookstores buy Iguana?

Librarians and teachers can order it through EBSCO, WTCox, http://welovespanish.com, Amazon.com, and through our website (www.IguanaMagazine.com). Additionally, Iguana is currently being evaluated by Barnes and Noble for national newsstand distribution.

Where do you see this magazine two or three years from now?

I see Iguana with exponential growth, landing in the hands of every Spanish-speaking family across the country. I also see it being distributed in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain.