Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Estelí Meza!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Estelí Meza
Estelí Meza grew up surrounded by books, and her love for illustration began when she attended a children’s book fair with her father. Her picture books, which have been published in Mexico, Spain, and the U.S., include Finding Home and Peace, and she is a recipient of the premier picture book award in Mexico, A la Orilla del Viento. Estelí lives in Mexico City, where she enjoys the beautiful process of combining motherhood with illustration.
About the Book: CROCODILES EVERYWHERE
Like The Rabbit Listened and The Color Monster, this bighearted, stunningly illustrated book helps children to acknowledge and confront their most difficult emotions.
After a girl’s best friend moves away, she starts seeing two creatures everywhere she goes: a gray crocodile who weeps for hours, and a loud crocodile who breaks things and creates all kinds of chaos. Nobody else seems to see them, though, and when they even follow her to her family’s beach vacation, the girl decides she needs to talk to them. It turns out she has a lot in common with both of these creatures: She has been feeling sad and angry too.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
In my books, the characters always come first. I start with a sketch of a character and try to improve it. When I see this character, I think, “He or she has something to say. Maybe they have a story.”
In this case, it was like that. First, the girl appeared, and then the crocodiles. And I realized there was a story to tell. One of the crocodiles was angry, and the other was sad. Then came the plants. I love drawing plants. Once I had the visual part down, I started working on the text.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
What you’ll find are stories with endearing characters. Stories that connect with very intimate moments. I almost always talk about feelings. I think it’s important for young readers to be able to name what they feel. I’m thrilled when a child identifies with one of my stories.
YABC: Which was the most difficult or emotional scene to narrate?
I think it was the first scene, where she says goodbye to her friend. I wanted the girls’ emotion to be evident, but at the same time, I didn’t want it to be a heartbreaking scene. Trying to find the right balance with the drawing was a very important challenge for me.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
Blueberry biscuits or a slice of cake with coffee. I love sweet foods.
YABC: If you could time travel what would you want to see?
I think I would travel to Egypt during the time of the pharaohs. It would be incredible to see those monumental buildings. They developed many things, and being able to witness that would be incredible.
On the other hand, the Egyptians have beautiful art. Painting in Ancient Egypt was very prominent and the basis for universal painting.
YABC: What daily thing do you see that brings you joy?
I love spending time with my daughter. She’s one year old, and it’s incredible how she learns everything and discovers the world. And I’m rediscovering things too.
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
I don’t have much time to procrastinate lately. But when I do, I watch a TV show or a movie. Or I look for new music and try to listen to it without pressure.
YABC: What’s a book you’ve recently read and loved?
I read “The Neighborhood” by Gonçalo Tavares. It’s a book divided into sections, each of which playfully narrates the life of a key figure in world literature. It combines literature with short illustrations. It’s a fun and inspiring book.
YABC: What is your favorite writing space or routine?
My favorite place to write and illustrate is my studio. I have a cozy table with my materials and notebooks. I always have music or a podcast playing. But I also enjoy going to a coffee shop to work and enjoying my flat white.
Title: CROCODILES EVERYWHERE
Author: Estelí Meza
Illustrator: Estelí Meza
Release Date: 10/07/2025
Publisher: Rocky Pond Books; Penguin Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0593859146
ISBN-13: 9780593859148
Genre: Picture Book – Emotions and Feelings; Picture Book – Mental Health
Age Range: Ages 5-8
~ Giveaway Details ~
Three (3) winners will receive a copy of CROCODILES EVERYWHERE (Estelí Meza) ~US Only!
This looks like a great book to support social emotional learning!
I appreciate the author’s interest in Egypt and I like what I read about the book. Her 1-year-old daughter could also benefit from having her mother read it to her. 🙂