Bringing Books to Life

The Tulsa City-County Library is bringing not just one highly esteemed children’s book author/illustrator to Tulsa this fall but two: Yuyi Morales for the Hummingbird Award in Literary Arts and Oge Mora for Books to Treasure!

Yuyi Morales, Hummingbird Award in Literary Arts

Yuyi Morales will give a free public presentation, accept the 2026 Hummingbird Award in Literary Arts and sign books at the Martin Regional Library on Oct. 31. Morales is an incredibly versatile artist and writer, and many of her books celebrate the beauty of textures and colors. Her works have won many awards and tend to feature families while highlighting Latino culture and heritage. Her book Dreamers is a colorful memoir in which she tells the story of her own immigration from Mexico to California many years ago. Her book Viva Frida was illustrated using photographs of her 3D puppet and marionette creations on painted backgrounds.

Sponsored by the Hispanic Resource Center and the Tulsa Library Trust, the Hummingbird Award is given biennially to a distinguished individual of Latino descent who has shifted the narrative for the Latino community and paved the way for future generations through their outstanding work. Learn more at tulsalibrary.org/hummingbird-award.

Oge Mora, Books to Treasure

Oge Mora, the 2026 Books to Treasure featured illustrator, will give a free public presentation and sign books on Nov. 6 at Hardesty Regional Library. Mora is a collage artist and storyteller. Her debut picture book, Thank You, Omu!, was a success, winning her a Caldecott Honor at just 24 years old. Her illustrations tend to feature collage art but include painted elements as well. She loves to collect paper of all sizes, textures and colors. Mora has written several books, including a nonfiction picture book about Mary Walker’s goal to learn how to read at the age of 116, The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read, written by Rita L. Hubbard.

Books to Treasure is an amazing opportunity for children to witness the creativity and passion that goes into illustrating a book, and to meet a “real-life” illustrator. Sponsored by the Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation since its inception in 2003, Books to Treasure has grown into a Tulsa tradition for all second-grade students in Tulsa County, who receive a free book by the featured illustrator and a special library card as part of the program. Learn more at tulsalibrary.org/bookstotreasure.

Books by Yuyi Morales and Oge Mora

Before you see both author-illustrators at their public presentations, check out some of their beautiful and award-winning books at the library! Their books will also be available for purchase and signing at both events.

Dreamers/ Soñadores by Yuyi Morales

An illustrated picture book autobiography in which award-winning author Yuyi Morales tells her own immigration story.

Bright Star/ Lucero by Yuyi Morales

A nurturing voice reassures the lonely and afraid in difficult times.

Little Rebels/ Pequeños rebeldes  by Yuyi Morales

Three young rebels build bonds of trust with one another and themselves, which are tested when they find their river dried up and an animal friend injured.

Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales

Through spare text, this book examines Frida Kahlo’s creative process.

Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes and illustrated by Yuyi Morales

Easy-to-read, rhyming text about Halloween night incorporates Spanish words, from las brujas riding their broomsticks to los monstruos whose monstrous ball is interrupted by a true horror.

Saturday by Oge Mora

When all their special Saturday plans go awry, Ava and her mother still find a way to appreciate one another and their time together. This is the book that second graders across Tulsa County will receive for free as part of the Books to Treasure program.

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

When the aroma of Omu’s homemade stew fills the air, her neighbors arrive, one by one, for a taste until all is gone except for her generous spirit.

More or Less by Alison Hughes and illustrated by Oge Mora

A child discovers ways to have fewer material things and more emotional rewards in life.

I’m From by Gary R Gray Jr. and illustrated by Oge Mora

Early morning wakeups and homemade pancakes, raucous bus rides and schoolyard games, family games and bedtime rituals… These are the small moments that shape a child’s day. I’m From is an invitation into the vivid world of one small boy, a poetic account of all the people and places and things that shape who he is and define where he is from.

Everybody in the Red Brick Building by Anne Wynter and illustrated by Oge Mora

In the middle of the night, a chain reaction of noises wakes the residents of an urban apartment building and then lulls them back to sleep.