About the logo
Cristina's logo depicts the Bakunawa, a serpent-like dragon in Philippine mythology. It is believed to be the cause of eclipses, earthquakes, rain, and wind.
Cristina Oxtra earned an MFA in creative writing for children and young adults and a BA in journalism. She writes picture books, chapter books, middle grade, and graphic novels.
Her picture book, What Lolo Wants, is the spring 2026 One Book |One Minnesota statewide featured book, 2025 Asian Pacific American Librarians Association Best of the Best, 2025 Minnesota Book Awards Finalist, and Society of Midland Authors Awards Honoree. She was named 2026 McKnight Judge's Top 10 Writers for Younger Children's Literature, 2026 Anoka County Library Featured Author, 2025 McKnight Artist & Culture Bearer Fellowship Honorable Mention, and 2019-2020 Mirrors & Windows Fellowship recipient at the Loft Literary Center, where she has served as a teaching artist.
Cristina is a former journalist, former educator, Air Force veteran, and communications professional. She is also a food TV fan and a 3rd Degree Black Belt and instructor in Taekwondo. She enjoys spooky things, theatre, comic cons, and drawing.