ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ARMIDA ESPINOZA
Armida Espinoza is a first-generation Mexican American, retired bilingual teacher. In “Brave Lolis Learns English”, Armida’s story is a genuine reflection of her own life experiences which mirrors 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 the academic and emotional challenges second language learners face, meeting them where they are and
validating the reality they live. She speaks from the heart as we follow Lolis on her inspiring and heartfelt journey. It is Armida’s hope that second language learners might glean insight from her experience 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 our age. Lolis comes to understand how what she thinks about can, in fact, 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 it.
Armida is an alumni member the Children’s Book Masterclass Program, a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and currently enrolled in the Publishing Mastermind class.
Armida currently lives in Fresno, California with her husband, Leonard and three furry friends, Luna, a boy named Sue, and Cutie Boy.
ABOUT THE IIIUSTRATOR
ROBERT BLANCAS
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 a career in Art. Robert was so blown away by the Art that he wanted to learn all he could about it. After a few years of studying books on his own, it wasn’t until Robert attended Fresno State where he began to develop his own style. What Robert experienced and learned at Fresno State is still very much used today in his techniques and concepts of all of his current Artwork.
Currently, Robert makes his living doing Graphic Design for various clients and Freelance Art for anyone that gives him the opportunity. He lives in Fresno with his three children who are all pursuing dreams of their own.
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To view more of Robert's Artwork,
visit his personal website at: