Welcome Home, Esmerelda
Daniela Ramirez, author
Daniela Ramirez has a passion for writing books for children. She is Mexican American and excited to share her culture. Daniela loves writing Latine characters and wishes to inspire her own children. She is married to her college sweetheart, is a military spouse, and currently resides in New Mexico.
Read more about Daniela.
Maribel Lechuga, illustrator
As a child, Maribel Lechuga spent every quiet hour of the day drawing. She studied illustration in art school in Madrid and is now the illustrator of many children's books, including Night Owl Night, Ten Beautiful Things, and Seaside Stroll. Maribel loves the environment and animals and recharges her batteries by hiking through the Spanish hills.
Read more about Maribel.
- Coming soon!
Children's Literature
Esmeralda and her family are preparing to move from Germany to San Antonio, Texas. Esmeralda's dad is in the military, so moving is not new to her, but she is nervous about living in San Antonio because she fears feeling out of place. Even though she was born there and her family lives there, she has no memories of Texas, unlike her older sister, Mariana. Esmeralda is concerned she won't fit in. Mariana comforts her and tells her everything will be okay. Once they arrive in San Antonio, Esmeralda watches her parents and Mariana glow with smiles as they reconnect with the family. Then, Tío George learns that Esmeralda loves music like her abuela, so he turns up a song by Selena. Esmeralda comes alive, pulling her sister onto the dance floor. All the family joins in, creating a cumbia line. Esmeralda beams with joy and realizes she is home. This heartwarming tale depicts the challenges of growing up in a military family. Children who have parents in the military will be able to relate to Esmeralda. Ramirez's beautiful story captures that struggle but also offers hope. Readers will get to see how good things can come from change.
English Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-390-7
Spanish Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-438-6
Ages: 6–9
Page count: 32
9 x 9
Publication date: May 13, 2025