Get ready to step into a world of wonder!
Join us for a family-friendly celebration of reading with story times, crafts, breakfast with the mascots, author meet-and-greets, family yoga with Rooted 956, mommy & me dance session with Laredo School of Contemporary Dance, and more!
Meet the authors!
David Bowles
David Bowles is a Mexican American author and translator from south Texas, where he works as an associate professor, coordinating the English Education Program at the University of Texas Río Grande Valley. Among his three dozens books are the multiple-award-winning They Call Me Güero and its companion They Call Her Fregona, as well as My Two Border Towns, Ancient Night, Secret of the Moon Conch and The Prince & the Coyote.Additionally, David has worked on several TV/film projects, including Victor and Valentino (Cartoon Network), the Moctezuma & Cortés miniseries (Amazon/Amblin) and Monsters and Mysteries in America (Discovery).In 2017, David was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters and currently serves as its president. In 2019, he co-founded the hashtag and activist movement #DignidadLiteraria, which has negotiated greater Latinx representation in publishing. In 2021, he helped launch Chispa, the Latinx imprint of Scout Comics, for which he serves as editor-in-chief.
For more information about David Bowles, click here
Claudia Rodriguez Diaz
Christopher and Claudia Diaz are the co-authors of Alejandro and the Bacon Breakfast (Alejandro y el desayuno de tocino), their debut bilingual children’s story that celebrates family and imagination. Their book received a remarkable tribute when astronaut Nick Hague recorded a reading for their son Alejandro, with the moon rising in the background. Christopher is a retired DEA Special Agent, and Claudia is a CPA and award-winning artist. With additional children’s books in development, they are passionate about creating stories that inspire young readers in both English and Spanish.
Facebook: @Adventureswithalejandro
Instagram: @Adventureswithalejandro
Daniel Garcia Odaz
TEDx Speaker Daniel García Ordaz, also known as The Poet Mariachi, is the author of several bestselling books, including Read Until You Bleed, Cenzontle/Mockingbird: Songs of Empowerment and You Know What I’m Sayin’? García Ordaz is an educator and former Navy Hospital Corpsman. He is a songwriter and he’s also a founder of the Rio Grande Valley International Poetry Festival and an established voice in Mexican American poetry. García Ordaz is a McAllen Poet Laureate emeritus. His work has appeared in several anthologies and has been taught from elementary through colleges and universities. His writing has also been considered in theses, dissertations, and via academic papers and conferences.
For more information about Daniel Garcia Odaz, click here
Diana Scott
Diana Scott is a multi-award-winning author and illustrator. She is a native Texan, born in Weslaco and later pursued a career in New York. After 30 years of dedicated service as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, she retired to Harlingen, TX.
Following a transformative lifestyle shift, Diana focused on her true passion, the Arts. She now writes and illustrates children’s books with heartfelt, relatable characters, meaningful storylines, and life lessons that encourage resilience and empathy.
Diana is a passionate advocate for children’s literacy and development. Through her creative journey, she is not only crafting stories and art, but also living her best life, one story at a time.
For more information about Diana Scott, click here
Facebook: diana.scott.104
Instagram: dspearlsofmine
Elsa Martinez
Elsa Martinez taught English, Spanish, and art at the high school level for 34 years. Originally from Chicago, she has called Texas home for the past 47 years.
Facebook: Elsa Martinez Author Page
Gerónima Garza
Gerónima Garza taught Bilingual Education, aware of the lack of books reflecting Mexican American culture and history, she set out to write upon retirement.
Glove for a Lady is her first picture book.
Gerónima is the recipient of The Texas Folklife Community Fellowship which resulted in El Día Que Se Aparecio El Diablo podcast The Folklorist Next Door series,. El Día Que Se Aparecio El Diablo is the most downloaded podcast in the series, earning Gerónima a presenter invitation by the National Association of Folklore Annual Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Most recent, Gerónima participated in the Short Film Documentary Lessons Learned In Cotulla, by Filmmaker Oddett Garza.
For more information about Gerónima Garza, click here
Facebook: Geronima Garza Bilingual Children’s Book Author
Jonathan Soliz
Jonathan Solis has been writing stories since he was in high school. Solis lives in Rio Grande City, Texas, and began to pursue writing out of a love for storytelling and exploring the different aspects of the human psyche. Solis holds two degrees; a Bachelors in English (2014) and a Master in Creative Writing (2018) from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Solis writes about different psychological disorders and uses a variety of narrative styles. Solis hopes for readers to see themselves in the characters he writes, to see both the good and bad in each, and derive a special connection between their own lives and the fictional ones he has created.
For more information about Jonathan Soliz, click here
Kevin Riha
When I’m not at my day job, I’m busy creating worlds of imagination as an amateur illustrator and children’s book writer. Lilly Bug and Friends marks my debut as both author and illustrator—a project born from a love of storytelling and the joyful chaos of childhood.
As a proud uncle to seven amazing nieces and nephews, I find endless inspiration in their curiosity, laughter, and boundless creativity. Their playful energy fuels my stories and reminds me daily of the magic in simple moments.
A military veteran and lifelong traveler, I’ve explored more than 107 countries, each one shaping my perspective and deepening my appreciation for the world’s diversity.
Instagram: @lillybugandfriends
María Alma González Pérez
Dr. Pérez has devoted her life to education and biliteracy. She has advocated for bilingual and dual language education and the use of culturally relevant literature in the classroom throughout her career. Dr. Pérez’s children’s and juvenile books of poetry, narrative, and non-fiction have been well-received, and her writing has been recognized by the Texas Institute of Letters, the International Latino Book Awards, the Skipping Stones Honor Awards for Multicultural Books, the North American Academy of the Spanish Language (ANLE) Campoy-Ada Award, and the Pablita Velarde Award, among others. Dr. Pérez has over 40 years of experience in education. Her doctorate is in bilingual education.
For more information about Jonathan Soliz, click here
Facebook: dralmagperez
YouTube Channel
Monica Velasquez
Hard work and dreams intertwine into reality. Monica Velasquez went from a migrant worker to a dedicated bilingual teacher. She is proud first-generation high school graduate and a University of Texas at Brownsville alumnus. She is a a self-published author of a children’s book celebrating Mexican traditions. Monica had always dreamed of becoming an author, hoping that one day, her wish would come true. Her first book, “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” was published in December 2023 received the International Latino Book Award honorable mention. Her second book “Sana Sana Frog’s Butt” was released January 2025.
For more information about Monica Velasquez, click here
TikTok
Nadia Hurst
Naida Hurst, ODS-C, is a Certified Oncology Data Specialist with sixteen years of experience and the creator of Steampunk Furries. Drawing from her daily work with real cancer data, she understands how much children need clear words, steady honesty, and comfort they can hold. She created Dr. Tink and the Healing Crew to help families talk about cancer with courage, hope, and love. Her picture book
For more information about Nadia Hurst, click here
Facebook: steampunkfurries
Instagram: @steampunk_furries
YouTube Channel: @steampunkfurries
Orlando Garza
Orlando Garza is a children’s book author. At 30, he often still finds himself wandering to the children’s book aisle, browsing the shelves for a short and sweet escape from adult responsibilities.
In the spines he always finds a familiarity, a comfort, in the beauty and simplicity children’s book paint. This feeling, of a heart full and a clear perspective on the world, is one Orlando wanted to hold onto. So began his venture into creating children’s books; however, not without the help of someone very near and dear to his heart – his seven year old niece. Ava Jade Garza is the illustrator who brings the words on a page to life with her spirited illustrations.
For more information about Orlando Garza, click here
Instagram: @_orlandogarza
Ricardo Guerrero
“I’m a Mexican American illustrator from South Texas. My work offers a diversity of styles that bring a fun mixture of color, texture, and warmth.
When working on personal projects, I enjoy creating illustrations inspired by childhood memories living on the Mexican border.
In 2014, I received a BA from Texas A&M International University and has been professionally making art ever since. Additionally, I’m an active member of the local art community and a continual gallery exhibitor, as well as an independent art instructor and a mentee for Scholastic’s 2023 Art Mentorship Program.”
For more information about Ricardo Guerrero, click here
Faceboook: @riggyartwork
Instagram: @riggyartwork
Rosario Ozuna
Rosario Ozuna is a lifelong book lover, poet, and advocate for literacy. Born in Mexico and raised in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, she draws inspiration from life’s beauty and challenges. Her writing spans from young adult poetry to children’s books, aiming to capture human experiences and spark imagination.
She holds a Master’s in Library Science from Sam Houston State University and works as a high school librarian in South Texas. Outside of writing, Rosario enjoys creating book trailers, digital art, and exploring tech trends. She lives in Texas with her family, where she continues to create, inspire, and grow.
For more information about Rosario Ozuna, click here
Instagram @elegantbookladyauthor
TikTok @elegantbooklady
Facebook @RosarioOzuna
Sandra Cavazos Ayala
Sandra Cavazos Ayala, a Laredo native, was raised to value education. After graduating from J.W. Nixon High School in 1974, she earned degrees from Laredo Junior College, East Texas State University, and Laredo State University. Sandra began her teaching career at Daiches Elementary and later worked at United ISD, holding various leadership roles including Executive Director for Student Services.
After retiring in 2011, Sandra served as Executive Director for the Imaginarium of South Texas and continues to be active in numerous professional and community organizations. She has received multiple awards, including the TAMIU Distinguished Alumni Award and the Laredo Commission for Women Hall of Fame induction.
Sandra is married to Samuel Ayala and enjoys traveling, fishing, writing poetry, painting, and writing a children’s bilingual book. They have two grandchildren, Heidi and Rodrigo.