Children's books and stories can serve as bridges to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures. These talented artists have something exciting in common; they have all created books for children that have won the prestigious Pura Belpré Honor award.
Leo Espinosa: Originally from Colombia, his artwork has earned him many accolades, including a 2019 Pura Belpré Honor for Islandborn. Fun fact; Leo Espinosa is the artist who created the L.A. Libros logo and artwork.
Loris Lora: Based in Southern California, she draws inspiration from her Mexican upbringing and bright colors. Her work has received two Pura Belpré Honor awards: May Your Life be Deliciosa in 2022 and Phenomenal AOC: The Roots and Rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2023.
Mirelle Ortega: This prolific Mexican artist lives in Los Angeles and finds magic in the everyday things around her. Her book Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land received a 2023 Pura Belpré Honor award.
Ortega says, "In my books, it's important to me to be authentic about my cultural experience because I am a part of a wonderful community that is not a monolith, and…showing off our diversity is a great way to paint a complete picture of who we are."
Espinosa feels that it is important to connect first of all as human beings:
"The stories I illustrate…show us how to love and respect ourselves as individuals and feel part of our community. Then they help us empathize and understand other individuals and their communities."
Lora adds, "Through my illustrations, I want the reader to experience the story so that they can connect to the characters (and) understand a culture they may not know too much about."
All three artists have advice for young writers and illustrators. Loris Lora encourages young artists to draw things that inspire them, adding, "I enjoy observing people, going to art and cultural events, noticing colors and patterns in everyday life and nature." Leo Espinosa agrees: "Paying attention to your surroundings, actively listening and observing, are excellent ways to capture ideas. It might be tricky at first but don't give up. The more you do it, the better you'll be at it!" Mirelle Ortega urges young people to have faith in themselves and their abilities: "Many young writers often stop themselves from writing because they start doubting if they are any good. I would say: don't worry about that, keep writing. It's a craft, and as with every craft, the more you do it, the better you get at it."
Leo Espinosa, Mirelle Ortega, and Loris Lora will be three featured authors and illustrators at the Los Angeles Libros Festival, a free bilingual book festival for the whole family celebrating stories and music from Latin America and the United States. L.A. Libros Fest will be streamed live on YouTube on Friday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The Festival will be in-person at Central Library in Downtown Los Angeles on Saturday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Mención de Honor como Libro Ilustrado en el Pura Belpré 2022. Todos los años en Nochebuena, Rosi y su mamá, su tía, su hermana y sus primos se reúnen en la cocina de la abuela para preparar tamales y contar historias. Al sumergirse en los ricos recuerdos de la abuela, Rosi no solo aprende cómo hacer un delicioso tamal, sino también cómo hacer una vida deliciosa, llena de amor, sabor y familia.
Libro de Honor de los Premios Purá Belpré en ilustración. Una niña que crece en una finca de piñas en México descubre el verdadero significado de la palabra magia en este libro ilustrado, un volumen verdaderamente mágico sobre el cambio y la transformación.