The Bilingual Book Buddies Podcast
The Bilingual Book Buddies Podcast
Podcast Description
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.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes related to bilingual children's literature, discussing topics like creative storytelling, cultural identity, and the significance of multilingualism. Episodes feature insights from authors like Aixa Pérez Prado on diversity in children's literature, Jorge Inzunza on the influence of bilingual storytelling, and Alexandra Alessandri discussing the interplay of cultural heritage and writing.
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.
This week on BilingualBook Buddies
We’re thrilled to welcome Mirelle Ortega,award-winning author, illustrator, and artist, to the podcast!
In this episode, Mirelle talks about her journey fromgrowing up near her family’s pineapple farm in Mexico to creating luminous, culturally rooted picture books. We dive into her Pura Belpré Honor–winning debut, Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land, a story about transformation, creativity, and finding wonder in everyday life. We also discuss River of Mariposas, inspired by her memories of butterfly migrations and the beauty that can emerge when plans change.
Mirelle shares insights into her illustration process, herwork in animation, and how Latin American culture and magical realism shape her storytelling. This is a heartfelt conversation about art, resilience, and creating books that reflect children’s lived experiences.
Listen now to this inspiring episode of Bilingual Book Buddies
Perfect for educators, parents,librarians, writers, and anyone who loves bilingual and culturally rich children’s books.
Contact info:
Website: www.mirelleortega.com
Instagram: @msmirelle
X: @moxvi_
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.com
Facebook: Alicia Salazar Author
Instagram: @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.com
Instagram: @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.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 bringing bilingual books to life.
Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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