Welcome Home, Esmerelda

by Daniela Ramirez, Maribel Lechuga (Illustrator)

Overview

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.”
—María Dolores Águila, author of Barrio Rising

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781623543907
Publisher:	Charlesbridge
Publication date:	05/13/2025
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	9.30(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the 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.

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

Editorial Reviews

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

This tender picture book captures the uncertainty and hope of starting over in a new place. Esmerelda, part of a military family, has traveled the world but never lived in the United States. When her family relocates to San Antonio, she worries she won’t belong, even with extended family nearby. Through the warmth of her abuela and the power of music and dance, she learns that “home” isn’t just a place, but the embrace of familia. Ramirez’s heartfelt text provides comfort to young readers navigating change, while Lechuga’s colorful illustrations reflect both cultural heritage and emotional nuance. Perfect for families and classrooms supporting children through transitions, this story reassures that love and community create a sense of belonging no matter where life leads. The family has light brown skin. VERDICT 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

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

From the Publisher

2025-02-15
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. (author’s note, photos)(Picture book. 4-8)

Kirkus Reviews