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“This Día de los Muertos-inspired story gently validates the fear and sadness children may feel around death while offering a reassuring perspective on remembrance. Lush, textured illustrations transform grief into something tender and beautiful, honoring both loss and the enduring presence of love.”

—Kirkus Reviews

Flowers for Tía Luz María

Written by Cynthia De La Torre
Illustrated by Cynthia De La Torre
Published by Quill Tree Books

This beautiful and thoughtful cut-art picture book from debut author-illustrator Cynthia De La Torre, draws on imagery from Dia de los Muertos to gently introduce readers to grieving a relative—with the reminder that memories formed with love are never lost.

Galina has never had anyone close to her pass away—until Tía Luz Maria joins los muertos in the nearby cemetery. Now, Galina is filled with fear at the thought of her loving aunt changed into a calavera! Much better to put her fear and sadness up on the shelf, and forget Tía Luz Maria.

But strange things keep happening that make Galina think of her happier memories of her aunt. Could a calavera be playing tricks on her? Or could it be that death has not changed her beloved tía as much as she’d thought?

Primary ISBN: 9780063353992
Publication Date: July 2026
Available As: Hardcover
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

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Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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