Illustrator Profile
Marissa Valdez
6 Books
Marissa Valdez is a two-time #1 New York Times bestselling children's book illustrator and author known for her vibrant, humorous, and uplifting artwork. She is widely recognized for illustrating Meena Harris's hit book Ambitious Girl, as well as the beloved Esme series by Lourdes Heuer. In addition to bringing other writers' stories to life, Valdez writes and illustrates her own quirky tales, such as Hedgehogs Don't Wear Underwear.
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Meet Jacques, a little hedgehog with a very big secret. While other hedgehogs are perfectly happy wandering around the forest in their natural state, Jacques has a deep and undeniable love for something entirely different. He absolutely loves wearing underwear.
For a long time, Jacques keeps his passion hidden away, worried about what the other animals might think. But hiding who you truly are is exhausting. Finally, Jacques decides it is time to be brave. He puts on his favorite pair of underpants and steps out into the world to show everyone his true self.
What happens next will surprise you. When Jacques proudly embraces the things that make him unique, he uncovers a delightful secret about his woodland friends. This incredibly funny and heartwarming tale is all about finding your courage and celebrating exactly what makes you special.
6-8 Years
Living on the uppermost floor of the topmost best building is pretty great, especially when it is your birthday. Esme has just received a beautiful guitar from her grandparents, Mimi and Pipo. There is only one tiny problem. They did not plan a birthday party for her. There is no cake, no pinata, and definitely no decorations.
But Esme never lets a problem stand in her way. Since her grandparents do not know how to throw a proper bash, she decides to take matters into her own hands. With her trusty cat El Toro by her side, Esme sets out to organize the ultimate celebration.
Join Esme as she rounds up her quirky neighbors to help put together the party of her dreams. This charming and hilarious story shows exactly what happens when you use your imagination and a little bit of teamwork to save the day.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
42 Pages
Esme is back with a brilliant new plan, and this time, it involves cookies. While living in the topmost best building with her grandparents, Esme meets a new neighbor named Wendall. He is selling Troop Badger cookies and trying his hardest to earn his Cookie Empresario badge.
Earning a shiny new badge sounds like a fantastic idea to Esme. The only issue is that she is not actually a member of Troop Badger. But that will not stop a world-class problem solver like her. Esme decides to create her very own club called Troop Esme, inviting all the wonderful neighbors in her building to join the fun.
Her very first mission as troop leader is a big one. She must help her new friend Wendall sell every single box of his cookies. Dive into this delightful adventure filled with clever ideas, sweet treats, and the true meaning of making new friends.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
81 Pages
Who is in charge of your face? You are! Who is in charge of your space? You are! Get ready to discover the power of your own voice in this energetic and fun book all about setting boundaries. From your nose down to your toes, you get to decide what happens with your own body.
When you turn these pages, you will find a joyful celebration of confidence and choice. The bouncy rhymes make it incredibly easy to shout out the answers to important questions about who gets to say yes or no. You will see kids just like you learning how to speak up loud and clear.
This empowering read is perfect for building confidence and understanding your rights. It gives you the exact words you need to take charge of your personal space and celebrate exactly who you are, every single day.
6-8 Years
Have you ever been told you are too loud, too assertive, or too ambitious? When a young girl sees a strong woman being called ambitious, she wonders what that word really means. Instead of letting it sound like a bad thing, she decides to figure out how to claim it for herself.
You will follow her journey as she discovers that being ambitious is actually a superpower. It means setting big goals, believing in yourself, and never letting anyone else define what you can achieve.
This inspiring story celebrates girls who are ready to take up space and share their voices with the world. Get ready to find your own ambition and see exactly how far it can take you.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
It is finally opening night for the school play, and there are plenty of nervous jitters to go around! With so many lines to be memorized, colorful costumes to sew, and big stage sets to paint, it is completely normal to feel a little bit overwhelmed.
Luckily, Hattie Harmony is ready to step in and save the day. Equipped with her trusted tool belt, she is perfectly prepared to help her friends soothe their worries and find their calm. Whether it is taking a deep breath or finding a quiet moment, Hattie knows exactly what to do.
Join Hattie as she works to settle the pre-show jitters before the final curtain call. This dazzling and relatable tale introduces you to the importance of taking care of your feelings, proving that a little bit of support goes a long way.
6-8 Years
21 Pages