ABOUT ME

¡Hola! My name is Julissa and I write and illustrate books for children. I also create whimsical art for various markets, including publications, magazines, paper goods, licensing, games, and other products.

Baking With Mi Abuelita (Penguin Random House) was my depute author-illustrated book, and in 2024 it was named by Bank Street as The Best Children’s Books of the Year.

I was born and raised in Miami en una típica casa Cubana surrounded by lots of delicioso food, Latin music, and family gatherings.

I earned a BFA in illustration from Ringling College of Art and Design and currently reside in Austin, Texas. I’m an active member of Girllustrator, a collective of women children’s illustrators based in Austin.

AWARDS / HONORS

2024, Bank Street The Best Children’s Books of the Year, Baking With Mi Abuelita

2023, Named Best Transitional Book by School of Library Journal, Baking With Mi Abuelita

2023, Starred Review from School Library Journal, Baking With Mi Abuelita

2021, Las Musas Mentorship Program

2021, National Parenting Product Award Winner

2017, Named Best Kids Book on Amazon – Hello, Garden Bugs

SELECTED CLIENT LIST

American Girl, American Greetings, Capstone Publishing, Cricket Magazine, Curriculum Associates, Dove, Duopress, Highlights for Children, McGraw Hill, Oxford University Press, Peaceable Kingdom, Penguin Random House, Scholastic, Target, UPS Health Care