Yuyi Morales (pronounced “ZHOO-zhee”) was born in Xalapa, Mexico. Being a competitive swimmer, she studied Physical Education at the University De Xalapa, hoping to become a gym teacher. In 1994, she married Tim O’Meara and moved to San Francisco. When she brought their son to the library, she was amazed at the huge number of book choices in the children’s section. She learned English by reading stories to her son. She was inspired when she saw the art in the books, so she bought some paint, took creative writing extension classes at U.C. Berkley and, beginning in 1997, met with an author/illustrator group which stayed together and supported each other for sixteen years. In 2000, she received a Don Freeman Grant and has been illustrating and writing ever since. In recognition of Viva Frida, Morales received the 2015 Caldecott Book Honor. She has received the Pura Belpré Award for illustration five times, including in 2015 for Viva Frida.
from Children’s Book Art: Techniques and Media
Her website describes her creative process, her books, and her passions. click here.
A video of why Yuyi loves picture books.
A video on the making of Viva Frida
Dreamers
And her newest title Dreamers (Holiday House, 2018) coming in September.
Yuyi Morales tells her own immigration story in this picture-book tribute to the transformative power of hope . . . and reading.
#100 Women Artists https://www.continuum.umn.edu/umnlib/2018/06/excuse-me-sir-yes-this-is-a-rant/
What Started Project http://www.jacquelinedavies.net/blog/2018/6/2/excuse-me-sir-did-you-forget-something