“An astronomically creative mix of science, fantasy, and African American culture… An innovative, refreshing, out-of-this-world tale about the incredible versatility of afro hair.” ― Kirkus, starred review

Yesenia Moises is an Afro-Latina Author, Illustrator, and Toy Designer.  She uses her colorful illustrations and whimsical designs to create wonder and magic for young readers. In addition to her original Picture Book “Stellas Stellar Hair,” she also serves as illustrator for Tennis Olympian Serena Williams’ “The Adventures of Qai Qai” series. Her work has been featured on Buzzfeed, SyFy, NBC News, and on the pages of publishers like DC and Image. In a time where the world can be a scary place, she wants it to be filled with big hair, bright colors, and lots of sazón from the heart!

Yesenia's Featured Titles

Sounds Like Joy

Versify |
Children’s

A little mermaid explores the magical feeling of playing and creating with fishy friends in Sounds Like Joy, a colorful underwater picture book and essential read-aloud from Yesenia Moises, illustrator of tennis Olympian Serena Williams’s The Adventures of Qai Qai!

One day, Joy finds something unexpected on the ocean reef. When she shakes it, it makes a brand-new noise!

Soon she and her aquatic animal friends are dancing to the beat and feeling amazing . . . until her “jingle-jangle” loses a few important pieces and stops making the special sound she loves.

The little mermaid’s friends spring into action with some creative noisemaking to cheer her up! How can they use what they have under the sea to make the sound she’s missing?

The Adventures of Qai Qai

Feiwel & Friends |
Children’s

From superstar athlete, record breaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist (and mama) Serena Williams, comes a magical picture book in which a little girl learns to believe in herself with the help of her doll and best friend, Qai Qai.

“Don’t be scared, Best Friend! I’m right here with you, always!”

“But what if I’m not good enough?”

“Girl!” Qai Qai answered. “You’re already good enough when you walk in the door! Come on, let me show you.”

Baby Girl has a dance recital coming up, and she can’t help but worry. She’s practiced and practiced, but what if something goes wrong? What if she forgets the steps or freezes up during her solo?

Luckily, her best friend Qai Qai the doll has her back! When Qai Qai comes to life, they go on a magical journey that shows Baby Girl that she’s ready for the stage.

The Adventures of Qai Qai, a heartwarming picture book from beloved athlete Serena Williams, shows readers the power of believing―in your best friend and in yourself.

Stella’s Stellar Hair

Imprint |
Children’s

Black girl magic takes the solar system in Stella’s Stellar Hair, a celebration of hair, family, and self-love from debut author-illustrator Yesenia Moises!

It’s the day of the Big Star Little Gala, and Stella’s hair just isn’t acting right! What’s a girl to do?

Simple! Just hop on her hoverboard, visit each of her fabulous aunties across the solar system, and find the perfect hairdo along the way.

Stella’s Stellar Hair celebrates the joy of self-empowerment, shows off our solar system, and beautifully illustrates a variety of hairstyles from the African diaspora. Backmatter provides more information about each style and each planet.

Honeysmoke: A Story of Finding Your Color

Imprint |
Children’s

A young biracial girl looks around her world for her color. She finally chooses her own, and creates a new word for herself―honeysmoke.

Simone wants a color.

She asks Mama, “Am I black or white?”

“Boo,” Mama says, just like mamas do, “a color is just a word.”

She asks Daddy, “Am I black or white?”

“Well,” Daddy says, just like daddies do, “you’re a little bit of both.”

For multiracial children, and all children everywhere, this picture book offers a universal message that empowers young people to create their own self-identity.

Simone knows her color―she is honeysmoke.

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My Color

In this interactive story-time & workshop Yesenia reads *Honeysmoke a Story of Finding your own Color* followed by a brief Q&A. Students will then participate in a guided crafting activity to create a color of their own.

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Our Beautiful Solar System

In this interactive story-time & workshop Yesenia reads from *Stella’s Stellar Hair* and leads a short discussion about the different twists and turns their hair could take across the solar system! Students will use the inspiration to create an interstellar reimagining of their own appearance.

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Draw With Me

Yesenia introduces herself and speaks about her own personal journey to becoming an author and illustrator. Following a brief Q&A, there will be a guided drawing demonstration.

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Kirkus Starred Review – Stella’s Stellar Hair
Oklahoma Library Association 2023 Donna Norvell Award – Stella’s Stellar Hair
Here Wee Read’s 2021 Ultimate List of Diverse Children’s Books – Stella’s Stellar Hair
Parent’s Magazine Best Children’s Books of 2021 – Stella’s Stellar Hair

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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