Illustrator . Author . Daydream Expert
Hedgehogs Don’t Wear Underwear
Roaring Brook Press, April 1st 2025
Marissa’s author-illustrator debut, this is a hilariously zany and uproariously fun story of an underwear-obsessed hedgehog -- perfect for fans of Dragons Love Tacos and Something's Wrong!
Jacques is a little hedgehog with a BIG secret -- he loves wearing underwear! But the hedgehog world has rules . . . You see, hedgehogs eat grubs. They make nests. They snort with their sniffly snouts. They do NOT. WEAR. UNDERWEAR. So what's a critter to do about his undercover love of underpants?
Will Jacques muster the bravery he needs to fully embrace himself and share his love of tighty-whities with the world?
Get ready to fall head over heinie for this hilarious and unforgettable tale of identity, self-acceptance -- and undies.
ISBN: 9781250814388
Troop Esme
The second book in the Esme! series.
Esme always has a plan. A funny and sweet early illustrated chapter book about a problem-solving girl who decides to start her own badge-earning troop . . . and makes a new friend along the way. For fans of Dory Fantasmagory.
Esme lives with her grandparents on the uppermost floor of the topmost best building. She has just met a future friend named Wendall who came to her door selling Troop Badger cookies. He is hoping to earn his Cookie Empresario badge. Esme thinks she would like to earn a Cookie Empresario badge too! One small problem: she is not in Troop Badger.
But Esme is a problem solver! She decides to start her own troop: Troop Esme. It will include all the neighbors in the topmost best building. And her first act as troop leader? Help Wendall sell all his cookies, of course!
A funny and delightful story about cookies, badges and most importantly, friendship.
ISBN: 9780735269460
Who’s in Charge?
With its infectious refrain, this powerful, age-appropriate picture book for young children underscores kids' right to set boundaries--and take charge of their own bodies, voices, and choices.
Who's in charge of your giggle? I am!
Who's in charge of your wiggle? I am!
Who's in charge of your face? I am!
Who's in charge of your space? I am!
With playfulness and a powerful sense of confidence, the children in this book assert in no uncertain terms who is in charge of their lips, their hips, their eyes, their thighs, their nose, their toes, their voice, and their choice. "I AM!" comes the response that little readers will echo loudly and happily. From Stephanie Allain and Jenny Klion, debut authors who are longtime friends and activists for equity in Hollywood, comes an invigorating anthem brought to colorful life in the energetic artwork of Marissa Valdez.
ISBN: 9781536226508
Hattie Harmony: Opening Night
Viking Books for Young Readers
In this sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett, Hattie shares new tools for managing anxiety, just in time for opening night of the school play.
It’s opening night of the school play and there are plenty of nerves to go around! There are lines to be memorized, costumes to sew, and sets to paint. It’s a good thing Hattie Harmony is ready to help her friends soothe their worries with everything in her trusted tool belt. Will Hattie be able to settle the pre-show jitters before the curtain call?
In this dazzling sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective, critically acclaimed actress Elizabeth Olsen and esteemed musician and writer Robbie Arnett have crafted another relatable tale to introduce the youngest reader to the importance of self-care.
ISBN: 9780593351468
“Hattie’s classmates—and Hattie herself—benefit from her anxiety-relieving strategies, which readers in similar situations will find valuable. Practical advice to help empower young worriers.”—Kirkus Reviews
A is for Ambitious
The awesome, bold, charming, and decidedly ambitious new picture book by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Ambitious Girl, Meena Harris, is also a must-have ABC book.
The #1 bestselling team behind Ambitious Girl is back to take AG on a new adventure. A is for ambitious—and so much more in this fun and empowering picture book that reclaims words often used to undermine girls and women from A to Z. When they're ready to take on the world, ambitious readers will have the vocabulary to do so.
This book offers ambitious children everywhere inspiration as they pursue their goals and dreams. With a powerful message for us all, this is a perfect read aloud for showing children the power of words.
ISBN: 9780316354493
Click here for an Ambitious Girl activity kit that reminds ambitious girls everywhere just how strong, brave, and awesome they are.
"Valdez's energetic illustrations depict the girls engaged in an array of occupations, showing them as doctors, scientists, rock climbers, gardeners, artists, and more. Regardless of the activity, the message of strength, accomplishment, and unity shines through on every page."―School Library Journal
Check out the activities page for a read along with the authors of Hattie Harmony.
Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective
Viking Books for Young Readers - #1 New York Times Bestseller
Award-winning actress Elizabeth Olsen and esteemed musician Robbie Arnett have created a fresh approach to wellness in a new series that shows children ways to manage anxiety.
Meet Hattie Harmony, Worry Detective.
She's always there to help her friends when they need her. And the first day of school can cause a lot of jitters--from speaking in front of the class to taking the bus. Hattie always finds the perfect tools to calm her friends' bodies and minds. But when her own fears start to bubble up, can Hattie learn to overcome them herself?
Critically acclaimed actress Elizabeth Olsen and esteemed musician and writer Robbie Arnett have created an irresistible new character filled with warmth and humor to introduce the youngest readers to the importance of self-care.
ISBN: 9780593351444
"Hattie and her schoolmates are all anthropomorphized animals, depicted vibrantly by Valdez, whose colorful artwork is charming and expressive. Back matter includes a note from the authors and a brief overview of each of the tools featured in the book (mindful movement, stress balls, facing fear, and mindful breathing)."—School Library Journal
"She whispers to herself, “Brave people don’t always feel brave inside”—wise words and a powerful reminder to readers. Hattie is adorable, with her large, wire-rimmed glasses and tool belt. The bright colors and scene-driven illustrations will draw readers into the world of Wildwood Elementary. An approachable, child-friendly guide to processing anxiety."—Kirkus Reviews
Esme’s Birthday Conga Line
Tundra Books - SCBWI Golden Kite Honor
Esme always has a plan. A funny and sweet early illustrated chapter book about a problem-solving girl who has to manage her own birthday bash. For fans of Dory Fantasmagory.
Esme lives with her grandparents on the uppermost floor of the topmost best building. It's her birthday. Mimi and Pipo gave her a beautiful guitar. But they didn't plan a birthday party.
Esme thinks this is the way with grandparents. They don't know about parties or piñatas or birthday cake. No problem! Esme is great at problem solving.
With the help of her cat, El Toro, and a LOT of help from her neighbors in the topmost best building, the irrepressible Esme gets the birthday party of her dreams.
ISBN: 9780735269408
Love Esme? Click here for an activity kit for Esme’s Birthday Conga Line, which includes questions to help you design your own birthday celebration!
"Humorous and heartwarming . . . Every spread features a bright, colorful illustration of varying size from Valdez. Readers will look forward to more adventures with Esme in this welcome addition to early chapter book collections."—School Library Journal
"The playful text features zippy dialogue, bullet-pointed lists, and plenty of pleasing repetition for beginning readers. Valdez’s colourful, animated cartoon illustrations extend the celebratory fun and offer a peek inside apartments on each floor of the “topmost best building.” Like the best bashes, this early-reader series debut is amusing and inviting."—Booklist
"There is so much that we love about this book. Firstly, Esme is respectful to her grandparents and her neighbors. This has to be said. She interacts with people of all ages and believes her community is family. This is such a community building book and promotes children enjoying the company of people of all ages. This book sticks into your head and you keep wanting more."—The BabySpot
Click here for an Ambitious Girl activity kit that reminds ambitious girls everywhere just how strong, brave, and awesome they are.
Ambitious Girl
Little Brown - #1 New York Times Bestseller
When a young girl sees a strong woman on TV labeled as "too assertive" and "too ambitious," it sends her on a journey of discovery through past, present, and future about the challenges faced by women and girls and the ways in which they can reframe, redefine, and reclaim words meant to knock them down.
ISBN: 9780316229692
