Episode 15: Celebrating Culture & Color with Author/Illustrator Nomar Perez

In this vibrant episode of Bilingual Book Buddies,we sit down with Nomar Pérez—Pura Belpré Honor recipient,author-illustrator of Coquí in the City, and the artistic talentbehind many beloved children’s books.

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Nomar carries thevivid colors, sounds, and spirit of the island into every project he creates. After moving to the U.S. at age ten, his bicultural journey shaped his storytelling voice and continues to inspire young readers today. With a background in computer animation and painting, plus years of experience in illustration and design, Nomar’s work lights up bookshelves with warmth, nostalgia, and cultural pride.

In this episode, we explore:
The real-life childhood memories behind Coquí in the City
How Nomar blends art, culture, and identity in his picture books
His path from Puerto Rico to children’s publishing in the U.S.
What drives his joyful, colorful artistic style
How bilingual stories empower kids to see themselves on the page

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, writer, orlover of children’s books, this conversation will inspire you with its heartand creativity.

Listen now and join us as we celebrate storytelling,culture, and the beauty of bilingual books!
Bilingual Book Buddies — Where stories bring us together.

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Meet Your Hosts:

Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author andformer elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Aliciacrafts stories that empower young readers.

Website: alicia-salazar.com

Facebook: AliciaSalazar Author

Instagram: @albricias123

Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, andillustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischiefand We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness.

Website: claudia-sloan.com

Instagram: @claudia.sloan

Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling ofan Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight culturalheritage and diversity.

Website: silvialopezbooks.com

Instagram: @silvialopezbooks

Facebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes

About Bilingual Book Buddies:

Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated tocelebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode featuresconversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringingbilingual books to life.

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