Today’s Picture Book Postcard is from Gabi of Lowrider For Sale.
When Gabi’s beloved family car is put up for sale, she becomes determined to find a way to save it in this multigenerational story perfect for fans of My Papi Has a Motorcycle.
Gabi knows that Papi’s lowrider, Pico Nights, is more than a car. It’s a family scrapbook on wheels—a treasure trove of memories for her, Papi, and Abuelo Chucho. It chauffeured Gabi’s cousin to her quinceañera, rolled through years of Fourth of July parades, and was detailed most Saturday mornings by Gabi, Papi, and Abuelo.
So when Papi places a FOR SALE! sign on Pico Nights, Gabi tries everything she can to save their beloved car.
While Gabi offers her own money, organizes a community fundraiser, and even enters Pico Nights in a car show to try and combat the inevitable, she comes to realize that even though their time with Pico Nights may not last forever, the memories they’ve made in it will.
Lowrider For Sale
Author: Laura De La Cruz
Illustrator: Vanessa Morales
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
My dad was a big inspiration for this story, Lowrider For Sale. My dad loved working on old cars—he was very handy. He was also very talented. I wanted to write a book to honor his memory, and since I grew up in Southern California, I wanted to add a little bit about car culture as well.
– Author Laura De La Cruz
About Author Laura De La Cruz
Laura De La Cruz is a Latina children’s book writer from Los Angeles, California, now living in the Austin, Texas area. Before becoming an author, she spent eight years managing an elementary school library, where she fell even more in love with children’s literature while sharing books with students every day. After reading countless picture books, Laura discovered she had stories of her own to tell and began writing heartfelt stories inspired by family, food, culture, community, and the experiences that shaped her life.
Find out more about this author at www.lauraadelacruz.com.
About Illustrator Vanessa Morales
Vanessa Morales is a Mexican illustrator and character designer with a deep love for nature and culture. She is the illustrator of AXL THE AXOLOTL IS NOT A FROG by John Paul Brammer, DIEGO FUEGO THE FIREFIGHTING DRAGON by Allison and Rafael Rozo, and MONSTER BAKER by Laura Lovoie. In addition to illustrating books, Vanessa has worked in animation for companies including Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Kodansha VR Lab Japan. Vanessa was born and lives in the south of Mexico.
Find out more about this illustrator at www.phonemova.com.
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