Author's Journey from Venezuela to Brooklyn Inspires Heartwarming Children's Book 'Hello, Tobi!'
September 14, 2025
Inspired by her own journey, Cáceres wanted to depict how people from different backgrounds can live harmoniously, highlighting themes of inclusivity and community.
Tobi's favorite thing is his family, and his unconditional love underscores the bond between pets and their owners, a central theme in both her life and her book.
Her children's book reflects her personal experience of feeling at home in a diverse community, emphasizing that everyone can belong and coexist peacefully despite differences.
The story showcases Tobi's walks in Harlem, illustrating the neighborhood's diversity and community, with Tobi greeting various families and individuals, symbolizing belonging and acceptance.
Tobi's journey to the U.S. was long and emotional, involving multiple flights, before he was reunited with Cáceres in Brooklyn.
Cáceres' background includes studying civil engineering before pursuing art full-time in the U.S., where she gained recognition for pet portraits and murals.
Andrea Cáceres, the author and illustrator of 'Hello, Tobi!', created a children's book inspired by her 15-year-old dog Tobi, a silky terrier originally from Valencia, Venezuela, who now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Cáceres moved to the United States in 2016 due to Venezuela's socioeconomic crisis, initially leaving Tobi behind, but eventually bringing him to New York after saving money, with Tobi traveling through multiple countries to reunite with her.
During her transition to the U.S., Cáceres started illustrating dogs as a creative outlet, which eventually led to her pet portrait and mural work, and her project 'A Dog A Day Keeps the Stress Away' helped her gain commissions.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

NPR • Sep 14, 2025
A tiny dog takes a big walk in 'Hello, Tobi!'
KPBS • Sep 14, 2025
A tiny dog takes a big walk in 'Hello, Tobi!'