The Bilingual Book Buddies Podcast

In this episode of BilingualBook Buddies, we sit down with the incredibly talented illustrator Olivia Sua! Known forher textured, painted cut-paper style and heartfelt storytelling, Olivia bringsa rich cultural perspective to children's books, inspired by her Colombian andSouth African roots.We chat about her creative journey from the forests of North Bend,Washington to the world of award-winning picture books like Water Day by Margarita Engle. Olivia shares hownature, family, and multicultural identity shape her work—and what it means tomake magic out of paper, color, and imagination.Tune in to hear about her creative process, recent honors(including the 2025 CCBC Best of the Year!), and what’s next in her artisticadventure.Whether you're an illustrator, writer, or just a lover ofbeautiful books, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Listen now and subscribe for more inspiringchats with bilingual book creators! Connect with Our Guest: Website: oliviasua.comInstagram: @oliviasua  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 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! #BilingualBookBuddies#OliviaSua #ChildrensBooks #IllustratorInterview #PictureBooks#LatinxIllustrator #WaterDay #CutPaperArt

In this powerful episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, we’re joined by Duncan Tonatiuh, award-winning author-illustrator whose distinctive work blends pre-Columbian art with modern-day themes like immigration, civil rights, and Latinx identity.From Dear Primo to Undocumented: A Worker’s Fight to A Land of Books, Duncan’s stories reflect his deep commitment to representation, history, and social justice for children of all backgrounds—especially those navigating life between two cultures.Connect with Duncan Tonatiuh:Website: https://duncantonatiuh.comContact: info@duncantonatiuh.comDon't miss this heart-opening conversation with one of today’s most important voices in bilingual and multicultural children’s literature.Like, comment, and subscribe to support diverse storytelling!#BilingualBookBuddies #DuncanTonatiuh #LatinxAuthors #BilingualBooks #PuraBelpré #KidLit #ChildrenBooks #MulticulturalBooks #IllustratorInterview #OwnVoicesMeet 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! #BilingualBookBuddies #DuncanTonatiuh #ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #BilingualLiterature #Podcast

In this powerful episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, we’re joined by Duncan Tonatiuh, award-winning author-illustrator whose distinctive work blends pre-Columbian art with modern-day themes like immigration, civil rights, and Latinx identity.From Dear Primo to Undocumented: A Worker’s Fight to A Land of Books, Duncan’s stories reflect his deep commitment to representation, history, and social justice for children of all backgrounds—especially those navigating life between two cultures.Connect with Duncan Tonatiuh:Website: https://duncantonatiuh.comContact: info@duncantonatiuh.comDon't miss this heart-opening conversation with one of today’s most important voices in bilingual and multicultural children’s literature.Like, comment, and subscribe to support diverse storytelling!#BilingualBookBuddies #DuncanTonatiuh #LatinxAuthors #BilingualBooks #PuraBelpré #KidLit #ChildrenBooks #MulticulturalBooks #IllustratorInterview #OwnVoicesMeet 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! #BilingualBookBuddies #DuncanTonatiuh #ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #BilingualLiterature #Podcast

In this episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, we sit down with award-winning Peruvian American author Mariana Llanos, whose bilingual books like Benita y las criaturas nocturnas and Run, Little Chaski! celebrate Peruvian folklore, Latinx identity, and the power of courage and kindness.Mariana shares her journey from Lima to Oklahoma, how she began self-publishing, and what inspires her to create stories that bridge cultures and languages. You'll also get a sneak peek at her upcoming chapter book series, Vampirita and the Angry Mob!Tune in for book talk, laughter, and wisdom from a true champion of bilingual storytelling. Learn more: marianallanos.comFollow Mariana: @marianawritestheworld on IG  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! #BilingualBookBuddies #MarianaLlanos #ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #PuraBelpré #BilingualBooks #PeruvianFolklore #PictureBooks #BookPodcast

In this episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, we sit down with award-winning Peruvian American author Mariana Llanos, whose bilingual books like Benita y las criaturas nocturnas and Run, Little Chaski! celebrate Peruvian folklore, Latinx identity, and the power of courage and kindness.Mariana shares her journey from Lima to Oklahoma, how she began self-publishing, and what inspires her to create stories that bridge cultures and languages. You'll also get a sneak peek at her upcoming chapter book series, Vampirita and the Angry Mob!Tune in for book talk, laughter, and wisdom from a true champion of bilingual storytelling. Learn more: marianallanos.comFollow Mariana: @marianawritestheworld on IG  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! #BilingualBookBuddies #MarianaLlanos #ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #PuraBelpré #BilingualBooks #PeruvianFolklore #PictureBooks #BookPodcast

Welcome to the episode 3 of Bilingual Book Buddies! Join hosts Alicia Salazar, Claudia Sloan, and Silvia López as they sit down with Argentinian-American author and educator Aixa Pérez Prado. Aixa shares her journey as a writer, illustrator, and university professor "focused on diversity, multilingualism, belonging, and equitable teaching for linguistic and cultural minority students." Her picture book, Mercedes Sosa: Voice of the People, is available in English and Spanish. Connect with Our Guest: • Website: aixaperezprado.com• Instagram: aixasdoodlesandbooks• Facebook: aixa.perezprado.9 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.com• Facebook: Alicia Salazar Author• Instagram: @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.com• Instagram: @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.com• Instagram: @silvialopezbooks• Facebook: 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! #BilingualBookBuddies #AixaPerezPrado #ChildrensBooks #LatinxAuthors #BilingualLiterature #Podcast

In this episode of Bilingual Book Buddies, we chat with Jorge Inzunza, co-founder of Hilo Colectivo, about the power of bilingual storytelling, uplifting Spanish-language voices, and building creative communities through books. Tune in for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation filled with passion, purpose, and plenty of literary love.Connect with our Guest:Email: contact@hilocolectivo.comInstagram: @jorgeinzunzahLinkedIn: Jorge L. InzunzaMeet 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 Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight cultural heritage and diversity. Website: silvialopezbooks.comInstagram: @silvialopezbooks  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 like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews with bilingual authors, illustrators, and changemakers!#BilingualBookBuddies #JorgeInzunza #HiloColectivo #BilingualBooks #LatinxAuthors #ChildrenBooks #AuthorInterview #StorytellingMatters

Join award-winning Colombian-American author Alexandra Alessandri as she shares her creative journey in writing bilingual children's literature. She reflects on her late start in writing and the familial roots of storytelling. Alexandra discusses how her Colombian heritage shapes her work and emphasizes the importance of connecting universal emotions with cultural details. Plus, she offers insights on using Spanglish in drafts, the challenges of promoting bilingual books, and her upcoming mother-daughter book, Fly Pajarito Fly, that explores social-emotional themes.