J de la Vega is proudly of Puerto Rican descent. She grew up as an avid reader and spent much of her time drawing as well. Realizing early on that she had a creative gift for children’s literature, she’s now an extraordinary illustrator and writer.
Today, J is the author and illustrator of two published books, and two upcoming books to be released in 2023. Her first book, Peter Tulliver and the City of Monsters is a fantasy adventure novel that takes the boy’s character through the struggle of his parent’s divorce with the help of his newfound friend, Quip, the monster. For ages 7-12. This is the first book in her Fallen Diaries Series and part of one of three in the Peter Tulliver Journals.
J’s, second book, Petunia Brown is the story of a small girl with a big imagination. A girl that believes that there are no limits to her capabilities and encourages children to dream big. For ages 0-6 years and published in 2020 in English and in Spanish.
I invite you to watch our IGTV!
J and I met virtually late last year when we both participated in the Latinx Latino Lit Book Fair as guests of Lil’Libros in the panel they sponsored where she and other authors and illustrators discussed the importance of writing and illustrating authentic stories in children’s pictures books. A conversation we decided to follow up with our Instagram Live.
As a woman of color, J believes that the lack of authentic stories and protagonists of color in children’s books can have an impact on children. “It is important that children see themselves and identify with the stories they read. Parents need to have early conversations about race and differences with their children.”
Coming up from J in 2023 via Lil’Libros is Wepa, the story about a girl named Mia that has ADHD and that teaches children to celebrate who they are. “It is important for children to know that they matter, that they are worthy!”
For ages 2-8.
For more about J de la Vega and her books follow her on Instagram @authorjdelavega.
Thank you, J!
