Author Profile
Donna Barba Higuera
5 Books
Donna Barba Higuera is an acclaimed American author of picture books and middle-grade novels that beautifully weave together Mexican folklore, science fiction, and fantasy. She is celebrated for her Newbery Medal-winning novel, 'The Last Cuentista', and her highly praised dystopian tale, 'Alebrijes'. Her engaging stories often center on themes of cultural heritage, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling.
El Cucuy is ready for his first terrifying assignment. He has glowing eyes, sharp talons, terrible breath, and one very important job: scare a misbehaving child.
There is just one problem. Ramón is not frightened. He is too busy worrying about his first day at a new school.
In this spooky-funny chapter book, a young monster who wants to prove himself meets a boy facing a fear that claws and shadows cannot fix. With lively two-color illustrations, gentle scares, and plenty of heart, this story invites new chapter book readers into a funny friendship where the monster under the bed may understand anxiety better than anyone expects.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
144 Pages
The yellow handkerchief is always there, tied to Abuela and carrying a history the young narrator does not yet know how to hold. At first, it feels embarrassing. It marks her family as different, and she wishes that feeling would disappear.
Slowly, the handkerchief becomes more than something to hide from. It begins to carry language, memory, love, and the people who came before.
Tender and honest, this picture book explores the complicated feelings children can have about family, culture, and belonging. With a lyrical voice and intimate family focus, it offers young readers a gentle way to think about pride, shame, and the stories woven into the things our loved ones keep close.
6-8 Years
52 Pages
Ramón is ready for Navidad, but El Cucuy is not so sure. The lights are too bright, the decorations are unfamiliar, and even a snowman seems a little scary to a monster still learning how the human world works.
Ramón wants his friend to feel the joy of the season, so he brings the celebration closer, one warm tradition at a time.
This festive bilingual picture book pairs holiday excitement with a tender story about friendship, courage, and welcoming something new. With connections to Las Posadas and Nochebuena, it gives young readers a cheerful look at Christmas traditions celebrated in Mexico, Latin America, and beyond, while keeping the focus on kindness, community, and the comfort of sharing the season together.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Book 2
El Cucuy does not want to scare Ramón anymore. He wants to get back to the human world and spend time with his friend. But something has gone wrong between monsters and humans, and the old rules are falling apart.
When El Cucuy finally reaches Ramón, he is not alone. Other boogeymen slip through too, and they arrive at the worst possible place for a monster invasion: Ramón’s birthday party.
Packed with light scares, sly humor, and two-color illustrations, this chapter book adventure sends Ramón and El Cucuy into a race to outsmart creatures who see a room full of party guests as a feast. It is a spooky, funny friendship story for readers who like their monsters mischievous but not too terrifying.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
124 Pages
Ramón cannot sleep. His first day at a new school is coming, and the worries feel much too big for bedtime.
Then Ramón discovers he is not the only one feeling afraid. El Cucuy, the monster in his cactus pot, is scared too.
This gentle picture book turns a famous figure from Mexican folklore into an unexpected friend. As Ramón and El Cucuy talk through their fears, the story gives young readers a warm, reassuring look at moving, starting over, and finding courage with someone beside you. Softly spooky and full of heart, it is a comforting read for children facing new places, new people, or a night when their thoughts will not settle down.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
