Contributed Article
SAFFORD – Colorful and cheerful, powerful and meaningful, are some of the feelings conveyed in the work of children’s author and illustrator Yuyi Morales. Her childhood heavily influences Morales’ stories in Mexico and shares insight from her perspective as an immigrant to America. These stories are on display at the Safford Library in Soñadora: Yuyi Morales.
Yuyi immigrated to the United States as a new mother with her two-month-old son, Kelly, and his American father in 1994. During a difficult transition, Kelly’s grandmother introduced her to a local public library. In the children’s book section, she found a gateway to her new life. Even if she did not know all of the words, she could determine the story through the pictures despite language barriers. In this way, she learned English alongside her son, Kelly. This initial introduction to a public library would lead her down a path to see her childhood dream of being an artist and storyteller come to fruition.
Yuyi is a six-time recipient of the prestigious Pura Belpré award, and the first Latina to receive a Caldecott honor for her book, “Viva Frida,” in 2015. Her books have been recognized with starred reviews in publications such as Publisher’s Weekly, The New York Times, and Booklist.
Soñadora: Yuyi Morales, on view September 23, 2024, through December 5, 2024, comprises more than sixty mixed-media artworks from fourteen of Morales’ books. For a full list of gallery hours, please see www.saffordlibrary.org or call the library at 928-432-4165.
Soñadora: Yuyi Morales was organized by NCCIL (The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature), Abilene, Texas.
About the City of Safford
The city of Safford, Arizona, is dedicated to providing high-quality services, fostering a thriving community, and promoting a great place to live, work, and visit. With a focus on sustainable growth, economic development, and community engagement, Safford continues to be a hub of opportunity and innovation in the region.
For more information about the city of Safford contact us at (928) 432-4000 or visit us at https://www.cityofsafford.us.
