The Bilingual Book Buddies Podcast

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.Subscribe for more conversations with the authors shaping today’s dual-language kidlit world!Bilingual Book Buddies —where stories connect us across languages and cultures.Contact the Author:Email: contact@paolasantos.comInstagram: @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.comFacebook: AliciaSalazar AuthorInstagram: @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.comInstagram: @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.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: 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. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!

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 CityHow Nomar blends art, culture, and identity in his picture booksHis path from Puerto Rico to children’s publishing in the U.S.What drives his joyful, colorful artistic styleHow bilingual stories empower kids to see themselves on the pageWhether 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.Listen & Subscribe:YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeartRadio | Amazon Prime | Castbox 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.comFacebook: AliciaSalazar AuthorInstagram: @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.comInstagram: @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.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: 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. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes! 

Episode 14: Finding Your Voice withNicholas Solis — Author of The Littlest Grito In this episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, we chat with award-winning author and teacher Nicholas Solis about hisheartfelt picture book The Littlest Grito—a joyful celebration of Mexican Independence Day, family traditions, and findingthe courage to speak up.Nicholas shares his journey as a longtime educator and storyteller, how he helps kids discover their own voices, and the real-life inspiration behind his books, including TheColor Collector and My Town, Mi Pueblo.Tune in for:-Behind-the-scenes insights into The Littlest Grito-Writing stories that honor Mexican-American culture-Tips for teachers and parents to nurture bilingual storytelling-A reminder that even the quietest voices can make the biggest soundContact Info:Official website: https://www.nicholassolis.com Contact form: https://www.nicholassolis.com/contact Social Media·      Instagram: @teachsolis ·      Twitter/X: @teachsolis Subscribe and join us for more inspiringconversations celebrating bilingual books and the people who create them!#BilingualBookBuddies#NicholasSolis #TheLittlestGrito #BilingualBooks #LatinxAuthors #PictureBooks#ChildrensBooks #MexicanIndependenceDay #BilingualEducation #ReadAloud  Meet Your Hosts: Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author andformer elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Alicia crafts stories that empower young readers. Website: alicia-salazar.comFacebook: AliciaSalazar AuthorInstagram: @albricias123  Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, andillustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness. Website: claudia-sloan.comInstagram: @claudia.sloan  Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight culturalheritage and diversity. Website: silvialopezbooks.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: 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 bringing bilingual books to life. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!

Episode 13: Celebrating Culture andConnection with Maritere Bellas 🌟In this episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, we sit down with award-winning author Maritere Bellas, a passionate advocate for bilingualism, multicultural families, and storytelling that bridges generations. Join hosts Alicia, Claudia, and Silvia asthey chat with Maritere about her inspiring journey, the importance of raising bilingual children, and the power of stories to keep culture alive.Tune in for heartfelt reflections, laughter, and practicaltips for families nurturing two languages and two worlds at once.Listen now on YouTube,Spotify, or Apple Podcasts!#BilingualBookBuddies #MaritereBellas #BilingualBooks #LatinxAuthors#DualLanguage #RepresentationMatters #ChildrensBooksConnect with Maritere:Website: https://www.mariterebellas.comInstagram: @latinamomspodcast | @mariterebellasFacebook: facebook.com/mariterebellasListen & Subscribe:YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts  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.comFacebook: Alicia SalazarAuthorInstagram: @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.comInstagram: @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.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: 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. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome GabrielaOrozco Belt — a Costa Rican American children’s book author whose stories celebrate bicultural identity, bilingualism, and the power of representation.From her heartfelt debut Only for a Little While (Por un ratito) to joyful titles like I Am, Yo Soy and Día de los Muertos ABC, Gabriela’s books reflect her passion for helping children see themselves in the pages they read.Join us as we chat abouther writing journey, how her upbringing influences her storytelling, the importance of Spanish-English books in classrooms and homes, and what’s next on her creative horizon.Tune in for inspiring conversation, practical tips for parents and educators, and a celebration of bilingual stories that bring families together. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow book lovers!#BilingualBookBuddies #GabrielaOrozcoBelt#ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #ReadAloud #BilingualBooks #PictureBooks#PodcastListen & Subscribe:YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts  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.comFacebook: Alicia Salazar AuthorInstagram: @albricias123  Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, andillustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness. Website: claudia-sloan.comInstagram: @claudia.sloan  Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity. Website: silvialopezbooks.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: 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 bringing bilingual books to life. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!

New Episode of Bilingual Book Buddies!We’re thrilled to welcome award-winning author Gloria Amescua, whose picture books celebrate heritage, resilience, and the power of storytelling. In this episode, Gloria shares the inspiration behind her work, her journey as a bilingual writer, and the importance of giving young readers mirrors and windows through literature.Join us for a warm, inspiring conversation filled with stories, insights, and bilingual book love!Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss an episode.#BilingualBookBuddies #GloriaAmescua #BilingualBooks #LatinxAuthors #childrensbooks Meet Your Hosts: Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author and former elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Alicia crafts stories that empower young readers. Website: alicia-salazar.comFacebook: Alicia Salazar AuthorInstagram: @albricias123 Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, and illustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness. Website: claudia-sloan.comInstagram: @claudia.sloan Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’s librarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity. Website: silvialopezbooks.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes About Bilingual Book Buddies:Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated to celebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode features conversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringing bilingual books to life. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes!

Join us on Bilingual Book Buddies as we sit down with acclaimed author-illustrator Lulu Delacre. With over 40 books published, Lulu has spent her career celebrating Latino culture, heritage, and bilingual storytelling throughher unforgettable picture books and anthologies.In this episode, which is conducted in both English and Spanish,you’ll discover:How Lulu weaves Latin American songs, folktales, and traditions into her stories.Her journey to becoming a three-time Pura Belpré Honor recipient.The inspiration behind beloved works like Arrorró,mi niño, Olinguito, de la A a la Z!, and Us,In Progress: Short Stories About Young Latinos.How a deeply personal tragedy shaped her powerful YA book Alicia Afterimage.Whether you’re a parent, teacher, librarian, or fellow book lover, you won’t want to miss this heartfelt conversation about the power of bilingual books and the importance of seeing yourself in stories.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss an episode!SocialmediaInstagram: @lulu.delacre InstagramFacebook: Lulu Delacre (official page) FacebookLinkedIn: Lulu Delacre (public profile) LinkedIn #BilingualBookBuddies #LuluDelacre #ChildrensBooks #LatinxVoices #PuraBelpré 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.comFacebook: Alicia Salazar AuthorInstagram: @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.comInstagram: @claudia.sloan  Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight culturalheritage and diversity. Website: silvialopezbooks.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes  About Bilingual Book Buddies:Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated tocelebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode features conversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringing bilingual books to life. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!

Join us on the Bilingual Book Buddies Podcast as we sit down with Alda P. Dobbs, award-winning bilingual author of Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna and the upcoming picture book The Giving Flower: The History of the Poinsettia(September release).In this inspiring conversation, Alda shares:Her journey from northern Mexico to San AntonioHow her background in physics and engineering shapes her storytellingThe power of connecting kids to history, culture, and communityThe importance of helping young readers see how their own stories fit into the bigger pictureWhether you're a teacher, parent, writer, or book lover, you won't want to miss this episode full of heart, heritage, and hope.About Alda P. DobbsAlda’s debut novel, Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna (Sourcebooks), received a Pura Belpré Honor, was named an ALA Notable Book, and earned a spot on the Texas Bluebonnet Master List. Her upcoming picture book, The Giving Flower, explores the history and meaning behind the beloved poinsettia flower.IG: @aldapdobbsFacebook: Alda P. DobbsListen & Subscribe:YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts#BilingualBookBuddies #AldaPDobbs #BarefootDreamsOfPetraLuna #TheGivingFlower #BilingualBooks #LatinxAuthors #KidLit #PictureBooks #MiddleGrade  Meet Your Hosts: Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author and former elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Alicia crafts stories that empower young readers. Website: alicia-salazar.comFacebook: Alicia Salazar AuthorInstagram: @albricias123  Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, and illustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness. Website: claudia-sloan.comInstagram: @claudia.sloan  Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’s librarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity. Website: silvialopezbooks.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes  About Bilingual Book Buddies:Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated to celebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode features conversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringing bilingual books to life. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on future episodes!

Darlene holds an MFA in Creative Writing from UTEP and a BA in English with a minor in medical studies fromUH. Her work goes far beyond her books — she has written short stories for educational companies likeAccelerate Education and Teacher Created Materials, and she collaborated with Literary Safari to create an original commissioned text for a majoreducational publisher, set to release in January 2026.Darlene is also the co-founder of LatinxPitch, an online pitch event empowering Latinx authors to showcase their stories and voices.Don’t miss this episode where we discuss her writing journey, her work in education, and the importance of representation in children’s literature.Contact Darlene P. CamposWebsite: https://www.darlenepcampos.comContact form: https://www.darlenepcampos.com/contactInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlenepcamposX (Twitter): https://x.com/DarleneCampos91Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarlenePCampos/  Meet Your Hosts: Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author andformer elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Alicia crafts stories that empower young readers. Website: alicia-salazar.comFacebook: Alicia Salazar AuthorInstagram: @albricias123  Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, andillustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness. Website: claudia-sloan.comInstagram: @claudia.sloan  Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity. Website: silvialopezbooks.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooksFacebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes  About Bilingual Book Buddies:Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated tocelebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode features conversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringing bilingual books to life. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!

Welcome to Bilingual Book Buddies! Join hosts Alicia Salazar, Claudia Sloan, and Silvia López as they sit down with award-winning Brazilian-American author and educator Ana Siqueira. Ana shares her journey from teaching Spanish to writingbeloved children’s books like Bella’s Recipe for Success and If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja. Discover how Ana’s multicultural experiences influence her storytelling and her commitment to promoting Latinx voices in children’s literature. Connect with Our Guest: Website: anafiction.comInstagram: @asiqueira1307Twitter: @SraSiqueira1307Meet Your Hosts: Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author and former elementary schoolteacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Alicia crafts stories that empower young readers.    Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, and illustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischief and We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness.    Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’s librarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling of an Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity.    About Bilingual Book Buddies:Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated to celebrating bilingual children’sliterature. Each episode features conversations with authors, illustrators, andmany others involved in bringing bilingual books to life. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on futureepisodes! #BilingualBookBuddies#AnaSiqueira #ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #BilingualLiterature #Podcast