Episode 16: Paola Santos & the Heart Behind How to Eat a Mango

In this episode, we welcome Paola Santos, Venezuelan-born children’s author and creator of the acclaimed picture book How to Eat a Mango, illustrated by Juliana Perdomo. Paola shares the deeply personal memories that inspired her debut—sun-soaked childhood days in Venezuela, the wisdom of her grandmother,and the simple ritual of eating a mango with all five senses.

How to Eat a Mango has earned multiple starred reviews (Kirkus, PW, SLJ, BookPage) and is available in both English and Spanish (Cómo se come un mango). Perfect for readers who love lyrical storytelling, family traditions, and rich cultural themes.

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Contact the Author:

Email: contact@paolasantos.com

Instagram: @pgsantosb

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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