{"id":8867230646509,"title":"Bienvenida a casa, Esmerelda","handle":"bienvenida-a-casa-esmerelda","description":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/daniela-ramirez\"\u003eDaniela Ramirez\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/maribel-lechuga\"\u003eMaribel Lechuga\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt's time to go home—but Esmerelda's never been there.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e¡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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEl 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAunque 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConmovedora y esperanzadora, \u003ci\u003eBienvenida a casa, Esmerelda\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003ePapa'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeartwarming and hopeful, \u003cem\u003eBienvenida a casa, Esmerelda \u003c\/em\u003ewill provide reassurance to any kid that while moving and change are difficult, you have the support of loved ones to help you through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ten-beautiful-things\"\u003eTen Beautiful Things\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/forever-cousins\"\u003eForever Cousins\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eListen to the Author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MjSw-53oYIY?si=QXv7bCiApANGTPpM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-spread.jpg?v=1731092504\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1731092509\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/bienvenida-a-casa-spanish-educator-guide.pdf?v=1756296510\"\u003eDownload the Educator Guide - Spanish\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-english-educator-guide.pdf?v=1756296509\"\u003eDownload the Educator Guide - English\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDaniela Ramirez, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaniela 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/daniela-ramirez\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Daniela.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaribel Lechuga, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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 \u003cem\u003eNight Owl Night, Ten Beautiful Things, \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eSeaside Stroll. \u003c\/em\u003eMaribel loves the environment and animals and recharges her batteries by hiking through the Spanish hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/maribel-lechuga\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Maribel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n A family goes home again.\u003cbr\u003e\nIt’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.\u003cbr\u003e\nA warm and relatable tale told with heart.\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEsmeralda 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOpening 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA warm, inviting celebration of love, acceptance, and the beauty of finding your place in unexpected spaces. Ramírez’s lyrical text introduces readers to Esmerelda, a charming, wide-eyed squirrel navigating new surroundings as the seasons gently shift. Lechuga’s lush, textured illustrations are a feast for the eyes, rich autumnal tones melt into delicate winter whites before blooming into spring pastels, offering a visual journey that is atmospheric and emotionally resonant. At its heart, this picture book is about homecoming, not just to a place, but to a feeling of safety and belonging. The spare, elegant prose encourages readers to pause and savor Esmerelda’s quiet triumphs. As she gathers warmth, food, and friends, the squirrel discovers inner strength and joy. The thoughtful pacing allows the narrative to unfold like a soft fog lifting with the morning light. The artwork perfectly complements the text. Lechuga’s masterly use of light and shadow, expressive close-ups, and careful renderings of Esmerelda’s woodland world create an immersive and almost tactile reading experience. Children and caregivers alike will find comfort in these glowing pages. VERDICT Both language editions would be heartfelt, cozy additions to any picture book collection, and they’re perfect for fans of emotionally rich storytelling and stunning visual art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-390-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-438-6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: May 13, 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-15T11:24:59-05:00","created_at":"2024-11-11T16:15:43-05:00","vendor":"Charlesbridge","type":"Children's Book","tags":["Browse by Age_Ages 6-10","Browse by Fiction\/Nonfiction_Fiction","Browse by Format_Picture Book","Browse by Language_English","Browse by Subject_Life Lessons \u0026 Skills","Browse by Subject_Story Time \u0026 Play"],"price":1799,"price_min":1799,"price_max":1799,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":47337209856237,"title":"Spanish Hardcover","option1":"Spanish Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"44386","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":42109361160429,"product_id":8867230646509,"position":1,"created_at":"2024-11-08T14:01:43-05:00","updated_at":"2024-11-08T14:01:44-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Bienvenida_a_casa_Esmerelda_CVR_OK_EXT.jpg?v=1731092504","variant_ids":[47337209856237]},"available":true,"name":"Bienvenida a casa, Esmerelda - Spanish Hardcover","public_title":"Spanish Hardcover","options":["Spanish Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":403,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623544386","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":34547325075693,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Bienvenida_a_casa_Esmerelda_CVR_OK_EXT.jpg?v=1731092504"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":47337209823469,"title":"English Hardcover","option1":"English Hardcover","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"43907","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":42109361193197,"product_id":8867230646509,"position":2,"created_at":"2024-11-08T14:01:43-05:00","updated_at":"2024-11-08T14:01:44-05:00","alt":null,"width":600,"height":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504","variant_ids":[47337209823469]},"available":true,"name":"Bienvenida a casa, Esmerelda - English Hardcover","public_title":"English Hardcover","options":["English Hardcover"],"price":1799,"weight":403,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_quantity":10,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"9781623543907","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":34547325010157,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Bienvenida_a_casa_Esmerelda_CVR_OK_EXT.jpg?v=1731092504","\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Bienvenida_a_casa_Esmerelda_CVR_OK_EXT.jpg?v=1731092504","options":["Title"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":34547325075693,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Bienvenida_a_casa_Esmerelda_CVR_OK_EXT.jpg?v=1731092504"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/Bienvenida_a_casa_Esmerelda_CVR_OK_EXT.jpg?v=1731092504","width":600},{"alt":null,"id":34547325010157,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"width":600,"src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504"},"aspect_ratio":1.0,"height":600,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.charlesbridgeteen.com\/cdn\/shop\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504","width":600}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR\/ILLUSTRATOR INFO BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/daniela-ramirez\"\u003eDaniela Ramirez\u003c\/a\u003e \/ Illustrated by: \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/maribel-lechuga\"\u003eMaribel Lechuga\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER HEADING BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIt's time to go home—but Esmerelda's never been there.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - ENTER DESCRIPTION BELOW - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e¡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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEl 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAunque 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eConmovedora y esperanzadora, \u003ci\u003eBienvenida a casa, Esmerelda\u003c\/i\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003ePapa'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeartwarming and hopeful, \u003cem\u003eBienvenida a casa, Esmerelda \u003c\/em\u003ewill provide reassurance to any kid that while moving and change are difficult, you have the support of loved ones to help you through it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER RECOMMENDATIONS BELOW - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"recommended-books\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you like this book, you’ll enjoy these: \u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/ten-beautiful-things\"\u003eTen Beautiful Things\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/forever-cousins\"\u003eForever Cousins\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - START OF TABS - - - - - - - -- - - --\u003e\n[TABS]\n\u003ch5\u003eListen to the Author\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MjSw-53oYIY?si=QXv7bCiApANGTPpM\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eLook Inside\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-spread.jpg?v=1731092504\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\" class=\"cvr-border-gray\"\u003e\u003c!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page --\u003e \u003cscript type=\"text\/javascript\" async=\"\" defer data-pin-shape=\"round\" data-pin-height=\"32\" data-pin-hover=\"true\" src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DOWNLOADABLES BELOW - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDownloadables\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"medium-cover\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg?v=1731092504\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-cover-hires.jpg.zip?v=1731092509\"\u003eDownload the Cover\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/bienvenida-a-casa-spanish-educator-guide.pdf?v=1756296510\"\u003eDownload the Educator Guide - Spanish\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"btn-wrapper\"\u003e\u003ca class=\"product-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0750\/0101\/files\/welcome-home-esmerelda-english-educator-guide.pdf?v=1756296509\"\u003eDownload the Educator Guide - English\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER AUTHOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor \u0026amp; Illustrator\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDaniela Ramirez, author\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaniela 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/daniela-ramirez\"\u003eRead more \u003c\/a\u003eabout Daniela.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - ENTER ILLUSTRATOR BIO BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaribel Lechuga, illustrator\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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 \u003cem\u003eNight Owl Night, Ten Beautiful Things, \u003c\/em\u003eand \u003cem\u003eSeaside Stroll. \u003c\/em\u003eMaribel loves the environment and animals and recharges her batteries by hiking through the Spanish hills.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/maribel-lechuga\"\u003eRead more\u003c\/a\u003e about Maribel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - ENTER AWARDS \u0026 HONORS BELOW - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAwards \u0026amp; Honors\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComing soon!\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - ENTER REVIEWS BELOW - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEditorial Reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eKirkus Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n A family goes home again.\u003cbr\u003e\nIt’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.\u003cbr\u003e\nA warm and relatable tale told with heart.\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eChildren's Literature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEsmeralda 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eBooklist\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eOpening 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eSchool Library Journal\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA warm, inviting celebration of love, acceptance, and the beauty of finding your place in unexpected spaces. Ramírez’s lyrical text introduces readers to Esmerelda, a charming, wide-eyed squirrel navigating new surroundings as the seasons gently shift. Lechuga’s lush, textured illustrations are a feast for the eyes, rich autumnal tones melt into delicate winter whites before blooming into spring pastels, offering a visual journey that is atmospheric and emotionally resonant. At its heart, this picture book is about homecoming, not just to a place, but to a feeling of safety and belonging. The spare, elegant prose encourages readers to pause and savor Esmerelda’s quiet triumphs. As she gathers warmth, food, and friends, the squirrel discovers inner strength and joy. The thoughtful pacing allows the narrative to unfold like a soft fog lifting with the morning light. The artwork perfectly complements the text. Lechuga’s masterly use of light and shadow, expressive close-ups, and careful renderings of Esmerelda’s woodland world create an immersive and almost tactile reading experience. Children and caregivers alike will find comfort in these glowing pages. VERDICT Both language editions would be heartfelt, cozy additions to any picture book collection, and they’re perfect for fans of emotionally rich storytelling and stunning visual art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003c!-- - - - - - - - - - - - ENTER DETAILS BELOW - - - - - - - - - - - --\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eDetails\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnglish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-390-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpanish Hardcover\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eISBN: 978-1-62354-438-6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAges: 6–9\u003cbr\u003ePage count: 32\u003cbr\u003e9 x 9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication date: May 13, 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e[\/TABS]\u003c\/p\u003e"}