Coats Sewing Group.

Born in Xalapa, Mexico, in 1968, Yuyi Morales is a celebrated Mexican-American author and illustrator of children's books. Initially pursuing a career in physical education and swim coaching, Morales moved to the United States in 1994. After finding inspiration in children's literature during her early years in San Francisco, she learned English by reading to her son and began to pursue illustration. Morales has since become recognized for her distinctive artistic style, characterized by rich colors and organic forms. Her work often draws upon her family's legacy and Mexican heritage, making her a significant voice in contemporary children's literature. She was the first Latina to receive a Caldecott Honor.

Yuyi Morales was born in Xalapa, Mexico, in 1968. As a child, she enjoyed drawing and creating stories to accompany her artwork. Her mother was a skilled homemaker who created many items for the family. Although Morales was a talented swimmer and studied physical education with the goal of becoming a gym teacher, art was not her initial career aspiration. After graduating and working as a swim coach, she met her American husband and moved to the United States in 1994. The transition was challenging, marked by a lack of employment, friends, and English proficiency, leading to feelings of displacement.

Morales's journey into children's literature began serendipitously when her mother-in-law took her son to a public library. The children's book section profoundly inspired her. She began learning English by reading to her son, using the illustrations as a visual aid when words failed her. The vibrant colors and compelling artwork in these books sparked a desire within her to create similar works. This newfound passion led her to enroll in an extension class at UC Berkeley focused on writing for children, where she connected with other aspiring authors and illustrators.

Morales's professional illustration career commenced with Kathleen Krull's 'Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez' in 2003, earning praise for her "beautifully rendered earth-tone illustrations." Her first self-illustrated book, 'Just a Minute,' was also published in 2003. She has since created numerous self-illustrated titles, including 'Niño Wrestles the World' and 'Little Night,' as well as illustrated works for other authors. Her unique style, often described as featuring "gorgeous paintings, with their rounded, organic forms and lush, gemstone hues," has garnered significant acclaim. Morales is recognized for drawing inspiration from her family's heritage and has been acknowledged as one of the most celebrated Latina children's book authors.

“She made all our clothes, coats, hats, underwear. She made the bedspreads, the curtains, the lamps, everything”

“That would have been thought of as crazy.”