Hola! Welcome! 👋🏼

I’m Jackie Morera, a children’s author, mother, and pastelito enthusiast.

How it began …

I was born and raised in a small suburb of Miami to Cuban immigrant parents. Our home overflowed with whimsy, imagination, and enormous belly laughs.

My dad helped me “write my first book” when I was very young. He bound pieces of paper together and invited me to fill them with my stories, which he later brought to life with his illustrations. It’s difficult not to fall in love with writing when you’re introduced to it in such a magical way. 

I couldn’t get enough! So, I spent my formative years playing around with storytelling. I scribbled away at tales of adventure, betrayal, intrigue, and romance, led by uncommon heroes and thwarted by villains you expect and some you don’t. I wanted to write it all, just like I wanted to read it all.

Younger Jackie Morera showcases her DIY book made of plain sheets of paper. She wears a backward baseball cap and is on a gray sofa. 1990s clothing and photo quality.

How it’s going …

I live in sunny, Central Florida where I’m blessed to spend my days in the world of imagination and daydream with my husband, son, and our silly dog.

When I’m not playing pretend or going on an adventure with my favorite little human, I write about those things instead. Specifically, stories filled with characters who look and sound like those who filled my heart and world growing up.

My picture books include Abuelo's Flower Shop, illustrated by Deise Lino; Together We Remember, illustrated by Violeta Encarnacion; In Case of Las Moscas, illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson; and more!

xo, Jackie

Please visit my “Media Kit” for bios, book covers, name pronunciation, and more!

10 Fun Facts

  • Yellow is my favorite color.

  • My preferred pastelito filling is plain guava.

  • I danced (ballet, jazz, contemporary, and more!) for 15 years.

  • My favorite show of all time is Doctor Who. I’ve even met David Tennant, Peter Capaldi, and Pearl Mackie!

  • I’m terrified of ferris wheels.

  • One of my first jobs was at a popular Florida theme park. (Hint: I was also “slimed” there live on stage as a kid)

  • I’ve been an extra in a movie, but I won’t say which one!

  • Two skills I wish I could make better use of: sewing and American Sign Language.

  • My ideal day would be spent wrapped up in a cozy spot by the sea, reading a new book.

  • All of my favorite animals (giraffes, flamingos, and seahorses) have long necks. That’s not why I love them, but it’s a funny thing to have in common!

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