¡Hola artistas!
What makes picture books unique? They have both words and pictures! To celebrate November’s National Picture Book Month I wanted to take a moment to recognize one of my favorite artists, Yuyi Morales, whose work we have had the privilege of showcasing here at Vamos a Leer.
As Neoshia wrote in 2013, Morales is a Mexican author and illustrator who was born in Xalapa, Mexico. She immigrated to the United States as an adult. Although she has written most of her work while in residence in California, she maintains her Mexican roots. In fact, much of her work has been influenced by her childhood in Mexico in what is known as the “City of Flowers” and her Mexican heritage. In her YouTube video, Why I Love Picture Books, Morales herself recounts her first encounter with picture books as “love at first sight.”
Morales’ multimedia techniques, including the puppet making she began experimenting with in 1995 when she moved to the United States, set her apart from many illustrators. To see some of her creations, check out her art-infused website that echoes the liveliness and vivid colors of her books, learn about your favorite characters within them, and even how they were made! Some of my favorite parts include:
- Learning about Señor Calavera
- Taking a look at Death’s photo album
- Clicking through Frida’s photo album (from My Abuelita)
- Download a Little Night paper doll (from Little Night)
You can learn more about Morales and view more of her artwork at PaperTigers (which celebrates books and artists from around the world), and at Let’s Talk Picture Books’ Illustrator Spotlight.
We’ve also talked about Yuyi Morales at Vamos a Leer – be sure to take a re-look at some past posts:
- Lorraine’s ¡Mira, Look!: Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales
- Lorraine’s ¡Mira, Look!: Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales
- Katrina’s En la Clase: Teaching About Frida Kahlo
Wishes for a creative noviembre,
Hania
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Image: “Breakfast.” Reprinted from Yuyi Morales’ website, Frida’s Photo Album.
Image: “Death waiting and waiting for grandma beetle.” Reprinted from Yuyi Morales’ website, Death’s Photo Album.
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