Becky Walker Books

Author’s name: Daniela Ramirez

Illustrator’s name: Maribel Lechuga 

Other book titles: This is my debut picture book.

What is your upcoming book title? “Welcome Home, Esmerelda”, it will also release in Spanish under the title “Bienvenida a casa, Esmerelda”

Date of release: May 13, 2025 (English and Spanish will release on the same day!)

Preorder or Order link: All pre order links can be found on my website, www.writerdaniela.com 

Publisher: Charlesbridge 

Agent: Charlotte Wenger 

Agency: Prospect Agency 

Hometown: I live in New Mexico, but I’m originally from Texas. 

Social links: Social links: https://www.instagram.com/writerdaniela/

https://bsky.app/profile/writerdaniela.bsky.social

https://www.threads.com/@writerdaniela

1. What is the premise/pitch for your book?

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.

2. What are 5 things you want people to know about your book?

Welcome Home, Esmerelda celebrates a military child, it has a big, loving Mexican American family, it has music and dancing, shows a tender big sister/little sister dynamic, and highlights Esmerelda’s very close relationship with her Abuela. 

3. What helpful hints or tips can you offer fellow writers about writing, publishing, and promoting a book? 

My biggest advice is to find your writing community, it really makes a difference throughout all the phases of this industry. Find writing friends you can trust with your work and also trust to turn to for advice. In my writing journey, my community has been everything. My writing friends have become some of my closest friends.  

4. What are 5 fun/quirky facts about yourself as an adult or child?

I’ve lived in ten places in my life.

I entered my first writing contest in kindergarten.

I’m a huge Formula One racing fan. 

I love road trips!

I enjoy gardening with my kids. 

5. What did you learn about yourself while on the journey to publishing this book?

I’ve wanted to be an author since I was in kindergarten; this is a dream come true for me. With each stage along the way, I have made sure to celebrate with my loved ones and show my kids how important it is to chase your passions in life. 

• Bluesky