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Welcome Home, Esmerelda

Daniela Ramirez Maribel Lechuga

$35

Hardback

Not in-store but you can order this
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English
Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S.
13 May 2025
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.

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.

""Every so often, a character resonates with readers of all ages. Esmerelda reminds us that home is in the heart-and in music. And if we listen closely, our favorite songs will always meet us on the dance floors of our lives, right when we're ready to feel the beat again."" -Antwan Eady, author of Nigel and the Moon and The Last Stand

""With lyrical text and cumbia energy, Welcome Home Esmerelda is full of beautiful layers of encouragement and familia love as well as the treasured lines spoken by Abuela, ""Home is not always a place. Home is a feeling in your heart.""

Get ready to fall in love!"" -Kim Tomsic, award-winning author

""Daniela Ramirez crafts a heartfelt ode to the sacrifices of military families, Chicano heritage, and the power of music. . . .

A

stunning, tender celebration of identity, belonging, and the music that ties us to those we love."" -Maria Dolores

guila, author of Barrio Rising
By:   ,
Imprint:   Charlesbridge Publishing,U.S.
Country of Publication:   United States
Dimensions:   Height: 229mm,  Width: 229mm, 
Weight:   567g
ISBN:   9781623543907
ISBN 10:   1623543908
Pages:   32
Publication Date:  
Recommended Age:   From 6 to 9 years
Audience:   Children/juvenile ,  English as a second language
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active

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

Reviews for Welcome Home, Esmerelda

A family goes home again. It’s time to move yet again, but Esmerelda’s used to it, because her dad’s in the military. This time, they’ll be relocating from Germany back to San Antonio. That should be good news, because the rest of Esmerelda’s extended familia lives there, but she isn’t nearly as excited as her sister, who was born there. After all, Esmerelda’s never been to San Antonio; that’s not her home! After packing everything up, they move to temporary lodging on the base and say adios to the friends they’ve made in Germany. Once they land in the U.S., they’re greeted by loved ones, right off the plane. Everyone is curious about Esmerelda, but the only one she recognizes is her Abuela. Esmerelda doesn’t feel like she belongs. Until…Tío George puts on Tejano music. Hearing a song by her beloved Selena, Esmerelda starts dancing, and everyone joins in. At last, she feels at home. Esmerelda’s a charming protagonist struggling with an issue that will be familiar to many readers, whether they’ve moved frequently or not: feeling out of place with family they’re not yet close with. Spanish words are interspersed throughout, while Lechuga’s crayonlike art brims with detailed spreads and harmonic colors full of movement. Esmerelda and her family are brown-skinned and Latine. A warm and relatable tale told with heart. —Kirkus Reviews


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