LAS MUSAS BOOK BIRTHDAY - Welcome Home, Esmerelda / Bienvenida a casa, Esmerelda

Today we celebrate the book birthday of Welcome Home, Esmerelda / Bienvenida a casa, Esmerelda (out in both English and Spanish!) by Musa Daniela Ramirez and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga. We sat down with Daniela to learn more about this book. 

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.

Learn more about this heart-warming book after the link...

What inspired you to become a writer?
I entered my first writing contest in kindergarten, I’ve dreamed of being a storyteller ever since.

How would you describe your main character? Why did you create your character that
way?
Esmerelda is full of heart, joy, and big feelings. I wanted to show a small glimpse of being a military kid, dealing with constant change and show how Esmerelda moves through those feelings. I also wanted to highlight the support she has in her life to deal with that change and to discover the true meaning of home for her.

What message are you hoping readers will take away from this story?
That home is not always a place, it’s something you hold inside of your heart that you can access no matter where you are, it’s there for you to remind you that you’re safe and comfortable even amongst any change going on in your life.

What is on your creative bucket list?
So many things, I also write middle grade novels. I dream of writing a young adult novel one day too. 

What 3 words would you use to describe your book?
​Full of heart, love, and family.

pick up your copy of welcome home, esmerElda

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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.

Connect with Daniela:
www.writerdaniela.com
writerdaniela on Instagram

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