Book Rec: My Abuela Is a Bruja
My Abuela Is a Bruja is a picture book written by Mayra Cuevas and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez Gómez. It is new on the market; published in August 2025.
This picture book is set on the vibrant island of Puerto Rico, where a young girl experiences the magic of her abuela.
From the opening pages, you are transported to the island, ready to dive into the story.
“My abuela is a bruja.
There is magic in everything she does.
What is her secret? I want to know!”
First Impressions
My Abuela Is a Bruja is a breath of fresh air. At first glance, you can’t help but notice the colorful artwork and island vibes. Having never been to Puerto Rico myself, I felt like I was living vicariously through the story and getting a sneak peek of life on the island.
It is written in the first person, which allows the reader to experience the world through the girl’s eyes.
For a kid, this would be such a delight to read.
I also think it makes it extra special that the details sound so authentic. It is clear the author has firsthand experience with spending time in Puerto Rico, given the descriptions throughout the story.
“My abuela is an island bruja. She lives in a hillside casita, where the sky meets the ocean and the plantains grow ripe.”
Beauty, love, and special moments ♥️
The Journey
The young girl in the story is in awe of her grandmother—the life she lives, the places she visits, the things she does. She wants to be like her abuela and have bruja magic too.
“At night, Abuela calls on the coquis to sing us lullabies. And they do!
‘Coquí’! Coquí!’
I want to be an Island bruja.”
As the story unfolds, she in fact discovers her own magic!
Why I Like This Book
I find the special bond between the girl and her abuela particularly heartwarming. Not everyone has a warm relationship with their grandmother, and for those people, it’s nice to see a healthy relationship on display. And for those who did have a close relationship with their grandmother, it is nice to have something similar so eloquently reflected in the pages.
I think more than anything, though, I love the authentic representation of Puerto Rico and its warm, loving, vibrant culture.
For little ones, this is such a treat, to be whisked away to Puerto Rico and spend time with a magical abuela. And it leaves room for empowering talking points on what makes your little one special.
What a gift to show how one’s upbringing transcends into the realization of the magic within oneself.
Where To Find More
Learn more about the author of My Abuela Is a Bruja at https://www.mayracuevas.com/
Marcella Lopez is a freelance authenticity/sensitivity reader, copyeditor, and writer based in San Diego, CA. She is a Mexican American woman, born and raised in Southern California. She loves hanging with her golden retriever and watching the beautiful game of fútbol.