GENRE: **Diverse, Humor, Character Driven
WORDS: 509
Query:
Dear PBParty Perusers,
It is my pleasure to present to you Beatriz Bruja. A 500-word picture book about a young witch itching to follow in her mother’s dark footsteps, however when it’s time to put her magic to the test, she is horrified to discover it isn’t as sinister as she’d hoped. For fans of Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden (2024, Scholastic) and Diego Fuego The Firefighting Dragon (2025, Penguin Workshop), this bilingual tale is sure to enchant readers who love magic, mischief, and a hint of darkness.
Beatriz always dreamed of casting spells that could make someone burst into boils, make flowers wilt, or frijoles spoil, but when her attempts at sorcery go awry she is determined to find a way to darken her magic.When her teacher announces a creepy competencia, Beatriz sees it as the perfect opportunity to cast a spell as horrible as she is— proving that she can be the most dreadful bruja of all.
I’m a formerly agented author, a 2025 PBparty finalist, and have been an active member of SCBWI for the last four years. Another of my PB manuscripts won first place in the 2025 Latino Voices In Children’s Literature Contest and is currently being considered for publication.
As a first generation Mexican-American author, I’m passionate about writing stories that reflect the language and traditions of my heritage. Growing up, I was captivated by magical tales of all sorts, but especially the ones that would give me goosebumps. My mom would often tell us stories about La Llorona, brujas, chupacabras or other Mexican folklore which inspired me to write about Beatriz. I have other manuscripts available upon request. Thank you so much for your time and I hope you enjoy Beatriz Bruja!
Excerpt:
Beatriz wanted to be a bruja, a witch just like her mamá.
Mamá’s spells could make one reek or burst with boils, make flowers wilt or frijoles spoil.
She was the darkest bruja in town, and Beatriz thought she was increíble.
On her first day of brujita school, Beatriz put on her blackest bow, her eeriest earrings, and her scariest scowl.
Her fingers itched to cast something dark and dreadful.
What inspired you to write this story & what do you have in common with it:
I’ve always loved folklore from other countries and especially stories about witches. Unfortunately, I haven’t come across a lot of Latine witches in picture books so I decided to create one of my own. Beatriz has been my favorite character to write because I think we all have an inner dark/vengeful side that we wish we could let out once in a while, and Beatriz has zero qualms about doing just that.
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