iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Gabby Zapata

KidLit Collective @kidlitcollective.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Celebrate the first day of autumn with @ajirving.bsky.social's DANCE LIKE A LEAF (illus. Claudia Navarro), @nrpaulson.bsky.social's NILA’S PERFECT COAT (illus. @mariamola.bsky.social), and @writerjolene.bsky.social & Shaian Gutierrez’s THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT (illus. @gabbyzapata.bsky.social)

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Hello! Are you an editor/AD at a publishing house looking for illustrators? I’m open to summer projects! Reach out to my agent @ksonnack at @andreabrownlit or visit gabbyzapata.com ☺️#kidlitpostcardday

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Jolene Gutiérrez | Kidlit Author & Teacher Librarian @writerjolene.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Stories stay with us forever. 🌿 I'm so grateful that THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT by Shaian, @gabbyzapata.bsky.social, and me is featured in The Children's Book Council's The Heart Remembers Spring 2026 Showcase! cbcbooks.org/cbc-book-lis... #CBCShowcase #kidlit #grief #picturebook #loss #teachers

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

I created a free pdf of a memory companion discreet card for your loved ones with a medical condition. As my moms caregiver for Alzheimer’s, I find these incredibly useful. English & Spanish! No strings attached, just a daughter that cares ♡ #caregiver #alzheimers shopgabbyzapata.com/products/mem...

shopgabbyzapata.com

Memory Cards

As my mom's caregiver for Alzheimer's, I am sharing a free downloadable printable pdf of memory cards you can hand out to people in tricky situations. This is a discreet way of letting someone know yo...

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

My monthly sticker club is now open! Shopgabbyzapata.Com 🤗💕 They’ll open every *10th* of each month so come on in and join on the chisme and stickers!

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

I’m starting a monthly sticker club starting the 10th of every month. Stickers inspired by my Latina roots, pop culture and cute things! Pre save link: shopgabbyzapata.com/products/mon... 🤗 #latinsky #artshop #stickerclub

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Forgot to post on here but my first Lorcana card is announced! An Enchanted card of the one an only Eeyore 💙 @disneylorcanade.bsky.social @ravensburgertcg.bsky.social WinterSpell out Feb 20! Big thank you to my AD Andrew Theophilopoulos ! #lorcana #disneylorcana #winterspell #tcg #disney

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

It seems the only time I post around here is when I’m dropping new stuff in my lil online store 😅 hair claws & cleaning cloths! More things to come but for now, January 9, 9am PST! Shopgabbyzapata.Com

Toucan hair claw I designed on hair for scale

Colorful Cleaning glasses cloth you can clip on anywhere

Colorful Cleaning glasses cloth you can clip on anywhere, showing how it can fold inside itself for easy storage

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

Now open! Shopgabbyzapata.Com Thank u for ur support!

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

One more hour! Shopgabbyzapata.Com 9am PST ♡

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

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KidLit Collective @kidlitcollective.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

Today and tomorrow we are celebrating Dia De los Muertos or Day of the Dead, with THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT written by @writerjolene.bsky.social and Shaian Gutierrez with art by @gabbyzapata.bsky.social. This holiday honors the lives of the deceased. #DiaDeLosMuertos #dayofthedead #picturebook

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chroniclekidsbooks.bsky.social @chroniclekidsbooks.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! — Happy Day of the Dead!🕯️🏵️ Let's celebrate today with The Ofrenda That We Built, written by @writerjolene.bsky.social & Shaian Gutiérrez, with illustrations by @gabbyzapata.bsky.social🧡 Available here: smarturl.it/TheOfrendaThatWeBuilt

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 16/10/2025

So much joy seeing mom have fun making these. It has helped so much with keeping her brain & motor skills healthy and she’s happy again! All sales in this collection goes towards her future dementia care shopgabbyzapata.com if you happen to buy, share a pic! I’d love to create a collage & show her!

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

I haven’t been up to date on here. But I open my shop at 10am for nonsubscribers (free yes!) new goodies and a new collection to help my mom’s future dementia care ♡ Shopgabbyzapata.Com

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Prof. Jason Bostick, Ed.D. @profjasonbostick.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

@gabbyzapata.bsky.social shop is now open for newsletter subscribers (free). 10 AM PST for general public. Mini art prints, stickers, and "blind bag" bag charms! shopgabbyzapata.com/collections/...

shopgabbyzapata.com

Gabby Zapata Shop

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Andrea Brown Literary Agency @andreabrownlit.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

My Barrio Sings in Spanglish illustrated by @gabbyzapata.bsky.social Patriots of Color at Lexington and Concord by Ray Anthony Shepard Baby Truck @ericasirotich.bsky.social Harry the Hairiest Laurenne Sala @isabellakung.bsky.social

My Barrio Sings in Spanglish
Elizabeth Lee at Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to My Barrio Sings in Spanglish by Mónica Mancillas (l.), illustrated by Gabby Zapata. This picture book follows Liliana who loves to sing along to the natural music and movement of her Los Angeles barrio. Publication is set for fall 2027; Melissa Edwards at Stonesong Press represented the author, and Kelly Sonnack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator.

Patriots of Color at Lexington and Concord
Carolyn Yoder at Astra/Calkins Creek has bought, in an exclusive submission, world rights to The Forgotten: Patriots of Color at Lexington and Concord by Ray Anthony Shepard (Runaway; A Long Time Coming), illustrated by R. Gregory Christie, an historical fiction picture book that gives voice to the Black and Brown men and women who participated in the events at Lexington and Concord in the first battles of the American Revolution. Publication is planned for 2027; Caryn Wiseman at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author, and the illustrator represented himself.

Baby Truck
Wendy McClure at Sourcebooks Jabberwocky has bought world rights to Baby Truck by JD Davis (l.), illustrated by Erica Sirotich, first in a board book series about an infant truck whose days are filled with exciting activities and fun routines as he learns how to be a big boy truck. Publication is set for fall 2026; Jennifer Newens at Martin Literary Management represented the author, and Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the illustrator in the three-book deal.

Harry the Hairiest
Olivia Luchini at Penguin Workshop has bought world rights to Harry the Hairiest by Laurenne Sala (l.), illustrated by Isabella Kung. The picture book follows a furry monster named Harry who longs to be appreciated for things other than his hair. Publication is planned for fall 2026; Kelly Sonnack and Jennifer Laughran at Andrea Brown Literary Agency represented the author and illustr

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

The amount of hours of time wasted dealing with health insurance is so incomprehensible to me. I shouldn’t have to jump through so many hoops in order to get something authorized that’s medically necessary 🙃

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Andrea Brown Literary Agency @andreabrownlit.bsky.social · 12/09/2025

Congratulations to @gabbyzapata.bsky.social, whose book THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT won an award for Excellence in Picture Book Artistry from the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California.

book cover of THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT illustrated by Gabby Zapata

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Mónica Mancillas Author @monicamancillas.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

I'm so excited to announce that I will be bringing another Spanglish book baby into the world! If you liked How to Speak in Spanglish, then you will love MY BARRIO SINGS IN SPANGLISH. So excited that @gabbyzapata.bsky.social will be illustrating this book of my ❤️, a love letter to L.A. #kidlit

Cover of a picture book entitled "How to Speak in Spanglish", featuring a little boy and his Abuela, against a yellow background. Caption reads, "If you liked 'How to Speak in Spanglish', then you'll love. . .'"

Caption reads, "MY BARRIO SINGS IN SPANGLISH, coming in 2027". Below is the Publisher's Marketplace announcement, which reads, "Monica Mancillas's MY BARRIO SINGS IN SPANGLISH, a standalone companion to HOW TO SPEAK IN SPANGLISH, following a girl who loves to sing along to the natural music and movement of her Los Angeles barrio, illustrated by Gabby Zapata, to Elizabeth Lee at Penguin Workshop, in an exclusive submission, for publication in fall 2027, by Melissa Edwards at Stonesong for the author, and by Kelly Sonmack at Andrea Brown Literary Agency for the illustrator (world)." Below the announcement are headshots of the author and illustrator.

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 09/09/2025

My next picture book illustration is announced! I'm so excited to share I'll be illustrating "MY BARRIO SPEAKS IN SPANGLISH" by the amazing @monicamancillas.bsky.social !! Born in Los Angeles, I'm so excited to share this love letter to LA. Coming to a bookstore near you in 2027! ❤️ #kidlitart

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 07/09/2025

I’ve been working on reopening my shop for holidays. And I finally found a fun activity for my mom and she has been helping me make these purse charms. She has early onset Alzheimer’s and seeing her find joy in this makes me extremely happy. The funds from these will go towards her future care 💕

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Oops it’s #kidlitartpostcard tag. Missed a word! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 04/09/2025

Happy #kidlitpostcard day! I’ve illustrated 3 books so far and I’m open to more books! Info below 😊!

Kidlit postcard art. Little girl on a bicycle going across the park

The ofrenda that we built book picture with a selfie

Cinderella a dream is a wish your heart makes little golden book

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Reposted by Gabby Zapata

KidLit Collective @kidlitcollective.bsky.social · 30/08/2025

In honor of Grief Awareness Day, we recommend two of our @kidlitcollective.bsky.social books...DANCE LIKE A LEAF by @ajirving.bsky.social and Claudia Navarro and THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT by @writerjolene.bsky.social, Shaian Gutiérrez and @gabbyzapata.bsky.social. #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

I was asked to do a couple of pieces for Disney Parks Wonderground gallery 😊Ernesto De La Cruz original painting sold, but there are prints in both California and Orlando Disney parks! The original painting of Up I think is still available. Hope you get a chance to visit and see them in person!💕

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Jolene Gutiérrez | Kidlit Author & Teacher Librarian @writerjolene.bsky.social · 21/08/2025

Spotted on the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators blog: The SCBWI Crystal Kite Award Winners, including The Ofrenda That We Built by Shaian Gutiérrez, @gabbyzapata.bsky.social, and me! Thanks to Justin Campbell and Holly Thompson for blogging! 🥰🎉 scbwi.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-...

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Latinx In Gaming @latinxingaming.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

🌹 Happy National Latina Day 🌹 Today we celebrate the strength, brilliance, and vibrant culture of Latinas everywhere. From breaking barriers to building communities, your contributions inspire and empower.

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 19/08/2025

I wish someday studios would change the narrative to make dogs the villains and not the cats. Every single movie that features both, aaaaalways the cats end up being the villains lol. 😆 Nothing against it, but change it up!

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

I know this may not be everyone's favorite thing from me to do, but it's something very special to me that I've been working on that I'd like to keep under wraps until the final product is out :) open.substack.com/pub/gabbyzap... If you'd like to support, pls feel free to subscribe to follow along!

open.substack.com

New shop product by the holidays!

What could it be??

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Andrea Brown Literary Agency @andreabrownlit.bsky.social · 11/08/2025

🎨 Spotlight on @gabbyzapata.bsky.social Gabby is represented by @ksonnack.bsky.social and is interested in illustrating picture books and black & white interiors. Gabby's Illustrator Page

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Woah! Gosh time flies!! 🤩🤩🤩

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KidLit Collective @kidlitcollective.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Happy FIRST Book Birthday to THE OFFRENDA THAT WE BUILT written by @writerjolene.bsky.social and Shaian Gutiérrez with #illustrations by @gabbyzapata.bsky.social. What a year it has been! So many awards and recognitions! @chroniclebooks.bsky.social #kidlit #kidlitart #picturebooks #booksky #EduSky

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

What an honor! I’m incredibly grateful for this award! @writerjolene.bsky.social 🙏🏼💕💕💕

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

There’s a lot of new faces around here so I thought I’d share a lil about-me on my Substack! gabbyzapata.substack.com/p/introducti... 🤗 #latinsky #characterdesigner #artist

gabbyzapata.substack.com

Introduction & Journey!

Once upon a time...

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

There’s a lot of new faces around here so I thought I’d share a lil about-me on my Substack! gabbyzapata.substack.com/p/introducti... 🤗 #latinsky #characterdesigner #artist

gabbyzapata.substack.com

Introduction & Journey!

Once upon a time...

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Jolene Gutiérrez | Kidlit Author & Teacher Librarian @writerjolene.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

I'm honored that THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT by Shaian, @gabbyzapata.bsky.social, & me won the Crystal Kite Award for the SW Division! I'm grateful to my SCBWI friends for supporting this book of our hearts and so happy to see so many other friends' books on the awards list! Congratulations to all!

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 29/07/2025

Over the moon for this award!! Honored to share it with Jolene & Shaian!🫶🏽🫶🏽🩷🩷🩷 (Sry for repost! Had a spelling error) #kidlit

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

👀All Smurf artwork on my website! 😊🩵 #smurfs gabbyzapata.com/paramount-an...

gabbyzapata.com

Paramount Animation — Gabby Zapata

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Watched it with my family in Spanish so my mom could understand. And I’m extremely grateful there was that option to watch. I really loved the Spanish translation! They matched the characters so so well. And the jokes landed just as funny as in English. Go support our film opening weekend! #smurfs

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

Happy Smurfs release day!! Lots to talk about, so head on over to my blog for a full detailed breakdown of our girl, Smurfette! Go watch in theaters now! 💙🩵 Gabbyzapata.blogspot.com 🩵💙 #smurfs #smurfs2025 #rihanna #ririnavy #smurfette #characterdesign #visdev #latinxsky

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Everyone go watch the new Smurfs movie coming out tomorrow! The team and I worked hard on this film and it was a delight to have been able to focus most of my time with Smurfette and more! 🩵 Art to be shared in the coming days! 🥰 #smurfs #characterdesign #art #latinsky #paramountanimation #smurfette

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

I haven’t shopped at Target since they scaled back on DEI initiatives and it’s wild to see how much I’ve saved since! Bummed to see some ppl still shopping there but I get it- some things you can’t find elsewhere, close location etc. But it’s good to see there’s been significant $ loss on their end

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Jolene Gutiérrez | Kidlit Author & Teacher Librarian @writerjolene.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

My friends who are @scbwi.bsky.social members, it's time to vote for the Crystal Kite Award finalists in any/all regions! Voting ends on July 18. THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT by Shaian, @gabbyzapata.bsky.social, and me is a SW division finalist: Learn more/vote here: www.scbwi.org/crystal-kite...

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 15/07/2025

Bird experts! Haha, are these two boys?? Not a boy/girl right? They’re about a year old. My Mom has had em since Aug 2024. If we wanted a girl, what can I do? I can put 2 girls in same cage, right? It would be so cute to see babies! 😆💕 #birds #parakeets

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Jolene Gutiérrez | Kidlit Author & Teacher Librarian @writerjolene.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Learn more about The Ofrenda That We Built, the book that Shaian, @gabbyzapata.bsky.social, and I created on Kathy Temean's blog today! There's a #giveaway! kathytemean.wordpress.com/2025/06/10/b... #kidlit #picturebooks #author #writer #teachers #librarian #libraries #teacherlife

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Jolene Gutiérrez | Kidlit Author & Teacher Librarian @writerjolene.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

Hi, all! If you're an SCBWI member, it's time to vote for the Crystal Kite awards! THE OFRENDA THAT WE BUILT by Shaian, @gabbyzapata.bsky.social, and me is included in the Southwest Division www.scbwi.org/crystal-kite... We would appreciate your vote for this book of our hearts! 💖🎉

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Last night was our Smurfs crew wrap party! It was so fun to see all our hard work on the big screen 💙🩵 Pls go see it on box office weekend July 18th in theaters!!! #smurfs

Flower vase station. Make ur own flower vase!

Crew gift- Smurfs coasters and enamel pin and more!

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Gabby Zapata @gabbyzapata.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

Dear future kids looking to get into medical field: please become a neurologist. The world needs more of you! 🙏🏼😩 It’s always so dang hard to book one that isn’t half a year away!

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