Maya Christina Gonzalez has illustrated over 20 award-winning children’s books, several of which she also wrote. Since 1996, Maya has been providing presentations to children and educators about the importance of creativity as a tool for personal empowerment. For a complete list of Maya's books, coloring books, and other related resources, see her author website.
Related video: Seeing ourselves in books
Author and illustrator Maya Christina Gonzalez talks about why it is so important for all children to see themselves in books and have access to diverse books as they grow. She also shares her story "My Colors, My World/Mis colores, mi mundo" with young readers.
This video was filmed before the COVID-19 pandemic at a family outreach event organized by the American Federation of Teachers and local and state affiliates in Daly City, CA.
Books by This Author
Call Me Tree/Llámame árbol
In this spare, lyrically written story, we join a child on a journey of self-discovery. Finding a way to grow from the inside out, just like a tree, the child develops as an individual comfortable in the natural world and in relationships with others. Maya Christina Gonzalez once again combines her talents as an artist and a storyteller to craft a gentle, empowering story about belonging, connecting with nature, and becoming your fullest self. Young readers will be inspired to dream and reach, reach and dream . . . and to be as free and unique as trees.
I Know the River Loves Me
Celebrate the river's magic and music with this poetic tribute that also speaks to the importance of taking care of our rivers. Vivid aqua and green waves swirl across the pages, bringing the river and her friend to life.
My Colors, My World
Product Description: Little Maya longs to find brilliant, beautiful, inspiring color in her world…but Maya's world, the Mojave Desert, seems to be filled with nothing but sand. With the help of a feathered friend, she searches everywhere to discover color in her world. In the brilliant purple of her mother's flowers, the cool green of a cactus, the hot pink sunset, and the shiny black of Papi's hair, Maya finally finds what she was looking for. Also available as a board book.
They She He Me: Free to Be!
Pronouns serve as a familiar starting point for kids and grown-ups to expand ideas about gender and celebrate personal expression with fun imagery that provides a place to meet and play. Award-winning children’s book author and artist Maya Gonzalez is joined by her partner, Matthew, for this collaboration.
Books by This Illustrator
Prietita and the Ghost Woman/Prietita y la llorona
Ever since she can remember, Prietita has heard terrifying tales of la llorona — the legendary ghost woman who steals children at night. Against a background of vibrant folk paintings, Gloria Anzaldua reinterprets, in a bilingual format, one of the most famous Mexican legends. In this version, Prietita discovers that la llorona is not what she expects, but rather a compassionate woman who helps Prietita on her journey of self-discovery.
When We Love Someone We Sing to Them/Cuando amamos cantamos
A reclamation of the Mexican serenata tradition. Follow the story of a young boy who asks his father if there is a song for a boy who loves a boy. Selected for the American Library Association's 2019 Rainbow List.