Esperanza Caramelo, the Star of Nochebuena

KARLA ARENAS VALENTI is an award-winning author who writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and philosophical questions. Her storytelling is heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she’s picked up in her many travels around the world. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. Karla received the Pura Belpré Author Award for her middle grade novel, Lola, and three starred reviews for her debut, Loteria. She has also written several picture books including Esperanza Caramelo: The Star of Nochebuena.

Elisa Chavarri is an award-winning freelance artist and author. She strives to create work that inspires happiness, promotes inclusiveness and curiosity, and helps people of all different backgrounds feel special. She illustrated the NY Times bestseller Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography. Originally from Lima, Peru, Elisa currently lives in Alpena, Michigan with her husband and two kids.