Welcome Home, Esmerelda

Hardcover

Synopsis

From a military family, Esmerelda discovers that home is where she's always welcomed—thanks to music, dance, and the big, unconditional love from her extended family.

An ideal picture book for kindergarteners and 1st graders who are moving, need reassurances during a transition, and could use the reminder that home is family.

Papa's job in the military has taken Esmerelda and her family all over the world—and yet she's never lived in the United States. Now she and her family are moving to San Antonio, Texas.

Although many of her extended family members live there, Esmerelda is unsure it'll feel like home. Even more, she's unsure she will fit in. Gradually, music and her sweet abuela spark bravery and the realization that home is not always a place—it's familia.

Heartwarming and hopeful, Welcome Home, Esmerelda will provide reassurance to any kid that while moving and change are difficult, you have the support of loved ones to help you through it.

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.

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 hill

Praise

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.
—Children's Literature

Opening with Esmerelda and her sister dancing in the kitchen, Ramirez’s debut picture book shares the meaning of home. Esmerelda’s father, a U.S. serviceman, announces to the family that they will be moving from Germany back to their hometown of San Antonio, Texas. On a phone call with her abuela, Esmerelda expresses her doubts about the change, and Abuela reminds her, “Remember, home is not always a place. Home is a feeling in your heart.” In San Antonio, Esmerelda feels out of place with her large, unfamiliar family. But when Tío George turns up the music of Tejano queen Selena, the whole family can’t help but dance, sharing Esmerelda’s own love of music. Colorful multimedia illustrations by Lechuga round out the emotional message of this tender story, and musical notes float throughout the book, conveying joy. Spanish words peppered into the text add warmth and cultural authenticity. Ramirez succeeds in sharing a warm reflection on family and the sacrifices of service members and their families. An author’s note about military families concludes.
—Booklist

Product Details

ISBN: 9781623543907