Making Pupusas
with Abuela

Denise Elizabeth Marciano, M.A., M.A.

Master of Arts in Human Development · Master of Arts in Education

Early Childhood Education Instructor · Professional Development Trainer · Children’s Author

As the proud daughter of Salvadoran parents, Denise grew up in Los Angeles surrounded by family traditions, homemade pupusas, music, and cultural celebrations. Some of her most cherished memories include making pupusas with family, dancing to cumbias, and spending time with loved ones. These experiences inspired her debut children’s book, Making Pupusas with Abuela.

Denise wrote this book as a tribute to the generations who came before us and as a gift to future generations. Her goal was to create a story where children could see themselves, their families, and their culture represented. She also wanted adults to reconnect with treasured childhood memories while creating new traditions and sharing family recipes with the children in their lives.

Growing up, Denise rarely saw books that reflected her Salvadoran heritage. That experience inspired her to create culturally responsive stories that celebrate family, identity, literacy, and belonging. One of the most meaningful aspects of Making Pupusas with Abuela is that many of the characters are inspired by her own family. Through the artwork of illustrator Juan David Perez, her mother Isabel is represented as a young girl alongside her siblings, while other family members appear throughout the story.

Readers may also notice a German Shepherd near the end of the book. This special detail honors Denise’s mother, who grew up with German Shepherds in El Salvador. Interestingly, German Shepherds later became an important part of Denise’s own life, creating a beautiful connection between generations.

This is only the beginning. Denise is currently developing the next book in the series and looks forward to continuing to share stories that celebrate culture, family, and the traditions that connect generations.

Denise Elizabeth Marciano

Maestría en Desarrollo Humano · Maestría en Educación

Instructora de Educación de la Primera Infancia · Capacitadora de Desarrollo Profesional · Autora de Literatura Infantil

Su libro Haciendo Pupusas con la Abuela nació del deseo de honrar a las generaciones pasadas que ya no están con nosotros y de inspirar a las futuras generaciones a sentirse orgullosas de su cultura e identidad. Denise creó esta historia para que los niños pudieran verse reflejados en sus páginas y para que los adultos recordaran momentos especiales de su infancia mientras comparten nuevas tradiciones y recetas familiares con los más pequeños.

Cuando era niña, Denise no veía libros que representaran su cultura salvadoreña. Esa experiencia la motivó a crear historias que celebran la familia, la herencia cultural y el sentido de pertenencia. Muchos de los personajes del libro están inspirados en miembros de su propia familia. Gracias al talento del ilustrador Juan David Pérez, su mamá Isabel aparece representada cuando era niña junto a sus hermanos, y otros familiares también forman parte de la historia.

Los lectores también encontrarán un pastor alemán al final del libro, un homenaje especial a la infancia de su madre en El Salvador. Curiosamente, estos perros también llegaron a formar una parte importante de la vida de Denise en su adultez, creando una conexión significativa entre generaciones.

Actualmente, Denise continúa desarrollando una nueva serie de libros y espera seguir compartiendo historias que celebren la cultura, la familia y las tradiciones que nos unen de generación en generación.