Little Rebels

by Yuyi Morales

Do you know a little rebel? Do you want to be a rebel, too? A powerful new picture book from Caldecott Honoree Yuyi Morales, creator of Dreamers and Bright Star.

A New York Times-NYPL Best Illustrated Children’s Book!

Little rebels have a way of finding each other. When these three youngsters come together while playing outside, they feel the pull—these are their people.

Little rebels ask questions. They use language to shape the world, and when no words are right, they make up new ones. They imagine, trust their intuition, and aren’t ashamed to change their minds.

Playing together in good times leads to working together through trouble. When the local lagoon dries up and a bird friend is trapped in the dry bed, the little rebels call on ancestors to show them what to do. Nobody gets left behind.

Caldecott Honoree and six-time Pura Belpré Medalist Yuyi Morales, creator of Dreamers, Viva Frida, and Bright Star, draws on Mexican folklore in this much-anticipated new offering. Little Rebels is as bold and spirited as the young trailblazers it chronicles. Find it also in Spanish as Peques rebeldes.

Genres: Picture Books, Social Justice, Childrens, Nature, Latinx, Environment, Fiction

40 pages, Hardcover

Published September 2, 2025

About the author

Yuyi Morales is the illustrator of Kathleen Krull’s Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez, whose accolades include a Pura Belpré Award and a Christopher Medal, as well as the Pura Belpré Award-winning Los Gatos Black on Halloween by Marisa Montes. Born and raised in Mexico, she now lives in northern California.

Reviews

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

While very colorful, the story is too deep, even for adult readers. I include this in my lgbtq shelf as there is mention of accepting pronouns, or any color you feel you want to be. The kids are drawn in a very androgynous manner.

The words appear at different points/parts on the page. So the page looks aesthetically interesting, but lacks readable flow. There is too much hidden message content in here. There are several simple Spanish words used, that never have a glossary to help new readers.

A colorful children's book shouldn't require two pages in the appendix reading an explanation for the book's content.

3*

[Aolund · Rating 5 out of 5]

An affirming, magical, rallying cry of a picture book that will be right for different readers at different times. Some kids are raised as Yuyi Morales' Little Rebels, some will find the concepts offered here new and different! Back text further expands the themes of the book for adults.

Themes: Rebellion, Community, Care, Everyone, Revolution, We're all the same/We're all different
Age range: Toddler-Early Elementary

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore Yuyi Morales’ artwork.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this to the young readers where you can, with family members or your classroom, and be amazed what those little ones will know already, prepared "right now" to become "Little Rebels" as Yuyi Morales shows in her new picture book. These three young ones come together to play and laugh, and help each other or someone and something in need. As Yuyi relates, they ask questions, create poems in unique ways, along with words that fit a moment, like "wierdiful". They support each other, and when one idea doesn't work, they find a new way. They care for each other and for themselves, too. Yuyi shares her inspiration at the back of the story, how Little Rebels can be, and how she created the illustrations! I imagine older children will enjoy the story and then talking it over--what it means to them, to their friends, too. Don't miss this new one just out!

Thanks to Neal Porter Books, an imprint of Holiday House Publishing for my copy!

Thanks to Neal Porter Books, an imprint of Holiday KHo

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodness! What this talented artist can do with digital artwork! Relying on photographs, mixed media techniques, a portal tablet on which she created sketches and then painted them, she introduces readers to three young rebels who might not fit the usual description. This title will really resonate with many youngsters, who are rebels but aren't sure about how to make themselves heard. Here, little rebels ask questions, dare to dream, trust their intuition, root for each other, create, and protect those that are small. All of these characteristics are beautifully supported by the richly layered artwork. Surely, the text encouraging little rebels to share their joy and their joyous selves with those around them. This is certainly the picture book many of us need now. There's even a blueprint for how to do so on the last two pages of the book. Also, be sure to check out the case cover with a resplendent blue butterfly and check out her notes about the artwork.

[Roben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you a rebel? Maybe you are - and you don't even realize it! Little Rebels like to ask lots of questions so they can make stories. And this is a guidebook for how we can all be little rebels together! And help other rebels we meet along the way. As the books states - "Our most radical act of rebellion is joy."

As with all of Yuyi's books, this one is gorgeous. In a note at the book, Yuyi provides her inspiration for this book. And suggestions for being a little rebel. She also explains how she drew the pictures. And why she includes the butterflies, crabs, and other things. So be sure to read the notes! They add an extra layer of interest to this already wonderful story.

[Martha Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this through once and was quite confused. Then I read it with the translations in hand of the words in Spanish. Finally, I read a review to understand what took place. However, the ethic of the little rebels is clear in English and you don't need Spanish translations for it: radical acceptance of each other; radical care for all the creatures around us. I can cheer that! The art is amazing as it always is with Ms. Morales' fantastic work. I loved the lengthy backmatter's information and goals but I wished I had understood the book's minor plot (kids freeing a bird from a dry lakebed) on my own.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Neal Porter Books through Edelweiss+.
Morales challenges readers to see the world around them and to protect resources. The illustrations capture the passion and commitment from these children. I appreciate the variety of skin tones and nationalities included. The thought and speech bubbles feel a bit random and that was a distraction. This book will open dialogue for families as we all look at our world's resources.

[Christie Kaaland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuyi Morales does it again! A title for our times: Morales shares her spin on the importance of being a rebel ~~ that's a GOOD thing ~~ and what it means to rebel for what's right. Lyrical, engaging, colorful, and filled with action-oriented ideas, teachers and librarians must have this in their classroom.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read via an online reader copy. The concept is fantastic and very contemporary. However, the illustrations are not my personal tastes so that took away for me. I do recommend it for all ages and it will be getting attention for awards.

[Kids Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

I passionately adore the message at the core of this book, and I appreciate the challenging and unique art. I found it difficult to engage the child reader, there's a lot of friction in their word choice and storytelling style.

[Andi Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Encouraging children to ask questions, fostering curiosity, supporting their creative pursuits and helping them feel they have some autonomy when things seem out of their control are the best gifts we can give them.

[Patricia Q · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations, but the speech bubbles were so distracting for me that it took away from the message.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore everything Yuyi Morales makes. I love her work intensely.

[Penny lurkykitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful picture book about activism and protecting the environment and others. It's important to read the author's notes at the end of the book to understand the story.

[Bonnie Thrasher · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one didn’t go it for me. A group of Mexican children look deeply and seek meaningful change. The theme just feels too advanced for its intended age group. Lovely pictures, however.

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yuyi Morales never misses.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great illustrations, but there is almost too much going on. This would definitely make a great discussion book. So many topics to discuss!

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read it. A little story about being true to oneself and what one cares about. Slightly bash-over-the-head with the message. Lovely illustrations.

[Maughn Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the intention here but don't think the combination of progressive slogans and surreal images quite works.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Yuyi Morales, but I'm not sure this is going to be a long term favorite for me.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Morales' picture books, and there are some stunning aspects to her artwork and vital messages in her book.

[Jasmine Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to start off by saying I absolutely loved the concept and ideas presented in this book. The story being told is powerful and poses critical thought for readers in a variety of ways. That being said I feel like the formatting and layout was very complex and hard to follow even for me as an adult reader. I feel like although I was able to reread and understand better this posed implications when thinking about its accessibility to younger readers.