VERA LA VALIENTE IS SCARED
Today I’m celebrating the release of my amiga Ana Siqueira’s newest book, Vera la Valiente is Scared. Illustrated by Teresa Martínez and published by Beaming Books, this is such a funny and relatable book that will surely have children giggling. Congratulations, Ana!
About Vera la Valiente is Scared:
A hilarious story about what it really means to be brave. Meet Vera the Brave–La Valiente! She dives like a dolphin, climbs like a mountain goat, and defends her amigos like un león. But she trembles when she hears her teacher say, “We’re going to Rocking Roller Coasters!” Oh no! Vera tries to convince the teacher that her plan is not the best, but Ms. Rodríguez does not change her mind about the field trip. Now if Vera can’t face her fears, everyone will discover she’s not that brave after all! But what if being brave is much more than she expected? Vera La Valiente Is Scared redefines what it means to be brave. It’s okay to show your feelings and fears! And maybe, with some help, you can even face some of them.
***
M. Ana, I’m so happy to welcome you back to the blog to celebrate Vera’s story. Can you tell us what inspired you to write this book? Does it come from personal experience?
A. This story was inspired by two people in my life: my sister Vera and my son Joao Felipe. Vera was always brave. No matter what we went through, she was always stoic. At least from my point of view. But I know that we all have fears and vulnerabilities, and I want all the brave kids to know it’s okay to feel scared sometimes. My son, Joao Felipe, never liked roller coasters. And despite all the pressure, even from me, I confess, he never went on one. I admire him now because he knew his own limits.
***
M. How special that your characters are related to two of your loved ones! It’s so interesting to see the many ways in which authors get inspiration from their own lives. Regarding Vera’s fear, which you describe so well, can you share what are some of your own fears that you may have channeled when writing Vera’s feelings? It’s so believable!
A. I am super scared of roaches and rats. I was always super scared of the dark. But, of course, during our lifetime we all have so many scares that we all can relate to Vera, and her trembling legs, and fuzzy stomach.
***
M. Well, you absolutely succeed in showing Vera’s fears, and the illustrator did too. It’s so funny to see Vera’s expressions and to “hear” her thoughts. Why was it important for you to write THIS story? What would you like readers to take away from it?
A. I want all kids, brave or not-so-brave, to know it’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to be sad, disappointed, and angry. And the best way to deal with your feelings is to share them with others. Because we can all relate to feelings. One of my goals as a writer and human being is to show that, despite our differences, we are all connected through universal feelings.
***
M. I absolutely love that message and it comes across very clearly. I’m glad that children will get to receive it. Now, please share how was it for you to meet the characters created by Teresa Martínez? Did you have any input in the illustration process? Did you include art notes in your manuscript?
A. I love Teresa’s art. Vera’s facial expression adds heart and humor. I love the roller coaster drawing with many loops. One of my favorites. And the endpapers are so fun. I always add art notes to avoid having long texts. For example, when she says there is a tornado coming, the art note was … [a small white cloud]. But they are always suggestions, and the illustrator can change them as they seem fit.
***
M. That’s one of my favorite spreads in the book too! It’s so funny! I love Vera’s face when she’s falling! Can you share if you used any mentor texts as a resource for writing your book?
A. When I come up with an idea for a story, I read many, many books about similar topics and themes. So I read tons of books about children being scared and facing their fears. I did a video with some of my favorite ones about fear and bravery here: https://youtube.com/shorts/HjZTDSTr6_g
***
M. That’s such a good idea to keep in mind, thanks for sharing! Finally, Ana, are there any new projects you’re currently working on?
A. In October, my books Sticky Hermana and Hermana Pegajosa (A Junior Library Guild Selection) are coming out. The art by Olivia de Castro is so funny. And the story about sistership, boundaries, and drama is based on my relationship with my sister Monica, super sticky, but the best. In 2025, I have two books coming out – If Your Abuelo is an Astronauta (companion of Bruja) – art by Irena de Freitas – Simon & Schuster, and – Mami’s Heart – art by Nomar Perez – HarperCollins. In 2026, my chapter series book number 1 will be published – Creepy Creature Catchers – Hunting Cuca, the Alligator Witch. And other ones to be announced.
***
Ana, that’s wonderful! So many new projects coming your way! I got to read 2 of your manuscripts a while ago, so it will be great to see them come to live in the coming months. Congratulations on all your success, dear amiga! I wish you the best in your exciting journey. I can’t wait to hear more about all of your new books and projects. I’m always rooting for you!
ANA’S BIO
Ana Siqueira is an award-winning children’s book author. When she is scared, she writes stories filled with brujas, astronautas, and supercapas. Her books include Bella’s Recipe for Success (Beaming Books 2021), If Your Babysitter is a Bruja (S&S 2022), Abuela’s Super Capa (HarperCollins 2023), Our World Brazil (Barefoot Books 2024), La Mala Suerte is Following You (Charlesbridge 2024), Vera La Valiente is Scared (Beaming Books 2024), Sticky Hermana (Charlesbridge 2025), If Your Abuelo is An Astronauta (Simon & Schuster 2026), Mami’s Heart (HarperCollins 2026) among others. When she is not writing, she takes her Spanish students on a trip to the Spanish-speaking world, and her Brazilian-Cuban-American grandkids on many aventuras.
Learn more about Ana’s books, teacher’s guides, and author’s visits at:
https://anafiction.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ana.luisduran
https://www.instagram.com/asiqueira1307/
https://twitter.com/SraSiqueira1307
https://www.youtube.com/@AnaTeacherWriter
Thanks for reading!
M
PS. Remember you can subscribe to my newsletter by clicking the pink button. Thanks!
***
Cover photo by Stas Knop.
