Written by Daniela Ramirez
Illustrated by Maribel Lechuga
*Publisher: Charlesbridge
*Print length: 32 pages
*ISBN-10: 1623543908
*ISBN-13: 978-1623543907
*Reading age: 5 - 8 years
*Grade level: 1 - 4
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.
Edición en español! Proveniente de una familia militar, Esmerelda descubre que el hogar es donde siempre es bienvenida —gracias a la música, la danza y el gran amor incondicional de su familia extendida.
Un libro ilustrado ideal para niños de kínder y primer grado que están mudándose, necesitan consuelo y seguridad durante una transición y que pueden beneficiarse de recordar que el hogar es la familia.
El trabajo de Papá en la milicia ha llevado a Esmerelda y a su familia por todo el mundo. Sin embargo nunca ha vivido en los Estados Unidos. Ahora ella y su familia están mudándose a San Antonio, Texas.
Aunque muchos miembros de su familia extendida viven allí, Esmerelda no está segura de que se sentirá como en su casa. Incluso, no se siente segura de que encajará. Gradualmente, la música y su dulce abuela despiertan su valentía y la ayudan a entender que el hogar no siempre es un lugar: es la familia.
Conmovedora y esperanzadora, Bienvenida a casa, Esmerelda proveerá tranquilidad a cualquier niño, mostrándole que, aunque las mudanzas y los cambios son difíciles, cuentan con el apoyo de sus seres queridos para ayudarle en la transición.
Review
A warm and relatable tale told with heart. —Kirkus Reviews
Moving and reassuring choices for picture book collections, especially for libraries serving military families and children experiencing big moves, these titles will capture readers’ attention with beautiful imagery and writing, and their hearts. —School Library Journal
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
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.
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. www.maribellechuga.com
