The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School | Awareness Tour

The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School Awareness Tour is presented in partnership* with Ricardo Santa Cruz and The Children’s Book Review.

Join us as we celebrate Ricardo Santa Cruz’s heartfelt picture books, The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School, two inspiring stories that encourage children to trust their inner voice and embrace their authentic selves.

Beautifully illustrated by Yuko Kondo, Ricardo Santa Cruz’s The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School invite young readers on a thoughtful journey of self-discovery, courage, and connection. Through gentle conversations with a child’s higher self, these uplifting picture books explore how listening to the quiet voice within can help children overcome self-doubt, navigate new experiences, and build meaningful relationships.

Filled with warmth, wisdom, and vibrant illustrations, this inspiring series offers families a wonderful opportunity to start conversations about confidence, authenticity, and staying true to who you are.

Join us on this virtual book tour for a chance to win one of three amazing book sets — each featuring both The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School! These uplifting picture books are perfect for encouraging children to embrace their authentic selves, build confidence, and navigate life’s challenges with courage. Whether you’re building your family’s library or looking for stories that inspire, this is one giveaway you won’t want to miss. Enter below for your chance to win!

The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School
Virtual Tour Dates

The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School Giveaway

About the Books

The Boy and His Higher Self

Written by Ricardo Santa Cruz

Illustrated by Yuko Kondo

Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8-99068-351-8

Publisher’s Book Summary: And have you always been here right by my side?

I have always been with you, living inside.

Have you ever listened to the little voice inside your head? What does it say to you? The Boy and His Higher Self is the story of a boy who discovers and learns to trust his higher self, a presence that has always been with him. Dedicated to the inner child and higher self within young children and adults alike, this book offers guidance and tools to help children overcome feelings of insecurity and sadness and gain self-confidence and positivity.

With bold and vivid illustrations, Ricardo Santa Cruz’s series fosters ongoing discussions between parents and children about the importance of nurturing and preserving their authentic selves. By reconnecting with your higher self, you, too, can live out your dreams!

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My First Day of School

Written by Ricardo Santa Cruz

Illustrated by Yuko Kondo

Ages: 4-8 | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids (2026) | ISBN: 979-8990683501

Publisher’s Book Summary: I’m afraid to be myself and don’t know if I can.

Relax and remember to be yourself.

There’s no need to try to be someone else.

My First Day of School, the second book in a series dedicated to the inner child and higher self, tells the story of a boy on his first day of school. Nervous about making new friends and being accepted by his peers, he confides his insecurities in his higher self. With insight and guidance, his higher self shares with him that having the courage to be your authentic self inspires others to do the same and create a positive environment. Above all, Ricardo Santa Cruz emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to oneself, highlighting that genuine connections stem from the heart.

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About the Author

Ricardo Santa Cruz currently lives in Xala, located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, a project of which he is a co-founding partner. All proceeds from The Boy and His Higher Self will be given to The Xala Foundation, aimed at helping to educate and bring opportunities to marginalized communities from the region.

You can learn more at theboyandhishigherself.com and thexalafoundation.org.

Thanks for following along with us on Ricardo Santa Cruz’s The Boy and His Higher Self and My First Day of School awareness tour!