Author & Illustrator Profile
Yuyi Morales
9 Books
Yuyi Morales is a critically acclaimed, multiple Pura Belpré Award-winning author and illustrator of children's books. Her vibrant works, such as the widely celebrated Dreamers and Niño Wrestles the World, often draw deep inspiration from her Mexican heritage and immigrant experience. While she both writes and illustrates many of her own beloved picture books, she also lends her dynamic artistic talents to titles like Thunder Boy Jr.
Senor Calavera has a big problem. He needs to find the absolute perfect birthday present for Grandma Beetle. The tricky ghost Zelmiro gives him some confusing advice, so Senor Calavera decides to play it safe. Instead of picking just one present, he decides to get her a gift for every single letter of the alphabet, just in case!
Follow the bony skeleton as he gathers wild and wacky gifts, from an accordion for her to dance to, all the way to a thick mustache because she does not have one. You will laugh as the list of presents grows longer and sillier. This colorful alphabet adventure introduces you to Spanish vocabulary while taking you on a joyful romp through a magical world. Soon, you will discover that the best gift of all does not start with a letter at all.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
Wake up, child! You are alive and you are a bright star inside our hearts. Step into a beautiful desert landscape where plants, insects, and animals make their home. A young fawn is making her way through this unique world, a place that is full of both danger and amazing potential. A gentle, reassuring voice urges her to keep going, to face her fears, and to challenge the obstacles in her path.
This visually stunning journey invites you to listen, observe, and find courage in uncertain times. Through breathtaking artwork and calm wisdom, you will feel empowered to accept yourself and dare to let your voice be heard. Discover the strength it takes to face the future with determination and hope, knowing that you carry a bright star within you wherever you go.
6-8 Years
41 Pages
Step into the ring with Nino, the greatest Lucha Libre champion of all time! With his trusty wrestling mask and incredible moves, Nino has no trouble defeating all sorts of spooky opponents. He can take on the Mummy of Guanajuato and even the weeping Olmec Head with a quick tumble and a loud cheer. You can feel the energy as he conquers every challenger that comes his way in the wrestling ring.
But his greatest challenge is about to begin. When his little sisters wake up from their naps, Nino must face a completely different kind of opponent. Get ready for a hilarious, action-packed wrestling match that will put his ultimate skills to the test. Will the champion be able to handle these tiny, energetic challengers? Grab your mask and join the fun in this high-energy family adventure.
6-8 Years
46 Pages
When you leave everything behind to travel to a new country, what do you bring with you? A mother and her baby son arrive in a brand new place, carrying only their hopes, their resilience, and their dreams. The new world is completely unfamiliar, and the language is hard to understand. You must figure out how to make a home when everything around you looks and sounds different.
Then, they discover the magic of the public library. Surrounded by books and welcoming faces, they learn the language and find their way together. This powerful and moving memoir shows you how stories can bring light into uncertain times. You will be inspired by the beautiful artwork and the comforting reminder that we are all dreamers, carrying our own special strengths and history wherever we roam.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Senor Calavera has arrived at Grandma Beetle's door, and it is time for her to go with him. But Grandma Beetle is not quite ready yet. She has a birthday party to prepare for, and she needs just a minute! You will be amazed as she finds one clever excuse after another to delay her departure. First, she must sweep one house, then boil two pots of tea, and make three pounds of corn.
Join this lively counting adventure as Grandma Beetle skillfully outsmarts her bony visitor. With each new task, you will learn to count in both English and Spanish, celebrating rich Mexican traditions along the way. Will Senor Calavera ever get to leave with Grandma Beetle, or will he end up joining the birthday fun? Discover the joy and trickery in this vibrant, trickster tale.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
The sun is finally going down, but Little Night is nowhere to be found. Mother Sky needs to help her playful daughter get ready for bed, but first, she has to catch her! If you love playing hide-and-seek when it is time to sleep, you will understand exactly how Little Night feels. Mother Sky must use all her loving tricks to coax her daughter out from her hiding spots in the twilight.
Watch as Mother Sky lovingly bathes Little Night in the milky way and dresses her in a dress woven from the darkest shadows. This enchanting bedtime story invites you to wind down after a long day of play. You will feel the warmth of a mother's love as the sky turns dark and the world gets ready for sleep, making it the perfect way to end your own day.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Meet a young artist who sees the world in a way no one else does. Frida Kahlo's life is filled with deep love, vibrant laughter, and profound tragedy. As you follow her journey, you watch how she takes all of these powerful emotions and pours them directly onto her canvases. She searches her surroundings, she explores every detail, and finally, she creates masterpieces that the whole world will admire.
This stunning and poetic introduction to a legendary figure shows you where true inspiration comes from. You will see how an imaginative spirit can transform pain and joy into unforgettable art. With sparse, beautiful words and incredibly detailed illustrations, this story invites you to embrace your own creativity. Discover the passionate life of an incomparable woman who taught us all to look at the world with open, curious eyes.
6-8 Years
45 Pages
Suhaila has always wanted to know her grandmother, Annie, but she passed away before Suhaila was born. One magical night, a golden ladder slowly unrolls from the sky and stops right at Suhaila's window. Her grandmother appears and invites her to climb up for an incredible journey to the moon. You will be swept away as they reach the glowing night sky together.
On the moon, Suhaila and Grandma Annie welcome people from Earth who are facing sadness and tragedy. They offer them a peaceful sanctuary filled with comfort, healing, and joy. This breathtaking and tender story shows you the enduring power of love and connection across time. You will discover how a grandmother's free-spirited legacy can inspire you to spread kindness and hope to everyone you meet in the world below.
6-8 Years
48 Pages
Thunder Boy Jr. has a name he does not want. His dad is Big Thunder, which means he is Little Thunder. That just does not fit! You want a name that celebrates who you are and what you can do. Maybe a name like Touch the Clouds or Not Afraid of Ten Thousand Teeth would be better. You want a name that is completely your own.
Follow Thunder Boy Jr. as he searches for the perfect new name. This warm and vibrant story explores the special bond between a father and son. You will discover how a name can celebrate your own unique spirit and the big things you are going to do. Along the way, see how a family works together to find a name that is sure to light up the sky.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
