A Light for Lucinda
Olga Herrera, author-illustrator
Olga Herrera is a Cuban and Ecuadorian author-illustrator who earned her BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design. She cofounded Illo Chat, a podcast for illustrators, and is an active, long-time member of the SCBWI. She was born in Miami, Florida, and grew up in Ecuador. She now lives in Maryland with her husband, two children, and many pets. Her debut picture book, The Unwelcome Surprise, was published by Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan in 2023.
Read more about Olga.
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Kirkus Reviews
A young girl shelters in place with her family during the Cuban Revolution (1953-1959).
Lucinda lives in Santa Clara, where escalating military activity fills her neighborhood with fear. As tanks rumble past and gunfire echoes in the distance, her family and neighbors remain indoors with the shutters closed tight. Inside, her tía offers quiet reassurance, echoed by the steady pressure cooker shushing on the stove. Lucinda’s mamá responds to the tension by preparing a meal for family and neighbors seeking refuge. The familiar aromas gradually replace the scent of smoke drifting in from outside. When Lucinda wonders how Mamá can cook at a time like this, her mother explains that although they cannot control what is happening beyond their walls, they can each work to create safety and comfort within them. Later, when the lights go out, Abuela gently reminds the family that they can make their own light through care for one another. Soft pastel illustrations and expressive faces emphasize the tenderness shared among neighbors. The story closes with the community stepping outside to tidy their street, carrying forward a sense of hope. Lucinda’s journey affirms that fear is natural in uncertain times and that even small acts of care can steady a community.
A poignant tale in which love and shared purpose become a family’s brightest light.
English Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-759-2
Spanish Hardcover
ISBN: 978-1-62354-819-3
Ages: 6–9
Page count: 40
8 x 10
Publication date: June 9, 2026



