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SOÑADORA: THE ART OF YUYI MORALES

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One of my favorite things about our library are the exhibit spaces we have in The Attic and in the Anderson Art Gallery. Both spaces provide a great opportunity to visit a gallery for free and we are lucky to showcase some really incredible exhibits. Some of my favorite exhibits are when we bring in artwork done by children's book illustrators -- it is so cool to see all of the work that goes into putting a picture book together.

Starting September 7, our next exhibit will be SOÑADORA: THE ART OF YUYI MORALES featuring art from three-time Pura Belpré Award winning illustrator Yuyi Morales. If you know Yuyi's art then you are probably already as excited for this exhibit as I am. If you are less familiar with Yuyi's art, then you are certainly in for a treat. Here is a list of some of Yuyi Morales' most popular books so that you know what to look forward to!

By Yuyi Morales
New York: Neal Porter Books, 2018. Biography.

This is an autobiographical picture book about Yuyi Morales' experience as a Mexican immigrant in America. When she and her son first arrive in their strange new city, they are reluctant to speak a language they don't understand and unsure how to engage in a culture with foreign customs. But soon they discover a library filled with books and a gateway into a new world where they can find their voices. This Pura Belpré award winner is a masterful celebration of books, libraries, and imaginations filled with Yuyi's signature surrealist art.

This book is also available in Spanish as Soñadores.



By Yuyi Morales
New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2014. Biography.

This expressive biography introduces young readers to arguably the most famous Mexican artist with sparse text and multimedia illustrations. This Pura Belpré award winner and Caldecott Honor book is an emotional masterpiece that offers a dreamlike look into the mind of Frida Kahlo. This biography is emotionally very effective, thanks to Yuyi's one-of-a-kind illustrations. 

The sparse text in this book is done in bilingual English and Spanish.




By Yuyi Morales
New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2013. Picture book.

Little Lucha Libre champion Niño battles formidable opponents one-by-one in this perfectly campy picture book inspired by over the top theatrical Mexican wrestling. Niño has battled demons and bad guys one after the other, but is he ready for the most formidable opponent of all -- his little sisters? Morales' illustrations are perfectly matched to the tone of this fun book that begs to be read out loud. Saturated pages filled with exciting and dynamic action sequences are reminiscent of  comic books and vintage lucha posters.



Little Night
By Yuyi Morales
New Milford, CT: Roaring Brook Press, 2007. Picture book.

Because Yuyi Morales can really do it all, this last book is completely different in tone than her other books. In this fantastical bedtime story, Mother Sky helps her mischievous daughter Little Night get ready for bed, with a twist. Though all of Little Night's activities seem like normal bedtime stalling, we learn that nighttime is really Little Night's playtime. This sweet story is matched by resplendent illustrations made up of full-bleed pages in rich colors with a sprinkle of starlight. This is truly a magical and lovely book.

Also available in Spanish as Nochecita.

Be sure to visit The Attic starting September 7 to see more of Yuyi's art for yourself!





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