ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Armida Espinoza is a first-generation Mexican American and a retired bilingual teacher. In “Brave Lolis Learns English,” Armida’s story genuinely reflects her life experiences, mirroring our protagonist, Lolis’s journey. To this day, millions of English language learners continue to face the same hurdles. Armida hopes to write stories that shed light on second-language learners' academic and emotional challenges, meeting them where they are and validating their reality. As we follow Lolis's inspiring and heartfelt journey, she speaks from the heart. Armida hopes that second language learners might glean insight from her experiences on how to walk through their fears and insecurities in life by providing them with techniques that can help them manage their inner voice.
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In “Brave Lolis’s Box of Hope,” Armida hopes to encourage children to find their voice and manifest their strength and value to the world, knowing full well that we can all make a difference, regardless of age. Lolis comes to understand how what she thinks about can influence what comes her way. Understanding that we are all here to do the best we can with what we have, the universe and all its magic can and will reveal its wonders if we are open to them.
Armida is a member of the International Society of Latino Authors (ISLA), the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, and an alumni of the Children’s Book Masterclass Program and Publishing Mastermind with Miriam Laundry Publishing Company.
Armida lives in Fresno, California, with her husband, Leonard, and three furry friends: Luna, Sol, and Cutie Boy.
ARMIDA
ESPINOZA
ROBERT
BLANCAS
ABOUT THE IIIUSTRATOR
Robert Blancas is an artist from Fresno, CA. From a very young age, Robert developed an interest in drawing, but it wasn’t until his mother bought him a comic book that he knew he wanted to pursue an art career. He was so blown away by the art that he wanted to learn everything about it. After years of studying books independently, it wasn’t until Robert attended Fresno State that he developed his style. The experiences and lessons Robert gained at Fresno State are still very much used in his techniques and concepts in his current artwork.
Currently, Robert makes his living doing graphic design for various clients and freelance art for anyone who gives him the opportunity. He lives in Fresno and has three children, all of whom are pursuing their dreams.
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To view more of Robert's Artwork,
visit his personal website at: