Introduce little ones to the life of a cherished icon, Walter Mercado, in both English and Spanish!
Walter was a Puerto Rican astrologer, actor, dancer, and writer, best known as a television personality for his shows on daily astrology.
Patty Rodriguez is the co-founder of Lil’ Libros, a publisher of bilingual children’s books and co-author of more than 15 books celebrating the Latino-American experience in this country. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Time, and Rolling Stone magazine. You can also listen to Patty every morning in Los Angeles on the On Air with Ryan Seacrest nationally syndicated radio show. She lives in Los Angeles, California.
Ariana Stein is the co-founder of Lil’ Libros, a Los Angeles-based publisher that celebrates bilingualism and Latin American culture. Since 2014, she has co-authored a variety of first concept children’s books. She has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, CNN, KTLA, and more.
Citlali Reyes, born and raised in Mexico, loved to doodle as a child. It was after studying architecture that she was drawn toward the enchanting world of illustration and chose to become an illustrator full-time. Citlali enjoys telling stories through pictures, and her work is strongly influenced by the culture and vibrant colors of her country. She has partnered with Lil’ Libros to illustrate more than 15 popular bilingual picture books for children in their board book collection.
Patty Rodriguez is a renowned Latina leader with a diverse portfolio spanning entrepreneurship, media, and publishing. Proudly born and raised in Los Angeles by Mexican immigrant parents, she has dedicated her work to elevate the voices and stories of the American-Latino experience. Inspired by her journey toward motherhood and desire to raise her children in a bilingual environment, Rodriguez created and co-founded Lil' Libros, the #1 family-trusted bilingual children's media publisher. Being a storyteller at heart, she also launched sin miedo productions and Out of the Shadows: Dreamers to recognize the Dreamer movement and DACA. Her career achievements include 15 years as a Senior Producer and On-Air Talent at iHeartMedia’s 102.7 KIIS FM, recognition as California's Woman of the Year, recipient of the LA Times Latinos De Hoy Cultural Influencer Award, and honored Selena Quintanilla in 2016 with the MAC x Selena campaign line in partnership with MAC Cosmetics.
Ariana Stein is the CEO and Co-Founder of Lil’ Libros, the largest independent bilingual children’s media company in North America. In 2021, she co-led one of the largest equity crowdfunding campaigns in the Latinx community empowering them to invest in literacy. Ariana and her longtime friend, Patty Rodriguez, launched Lil’ Libros in 2014 to address the lack of resources and representation in children’s literature. Passionate about bilingual education, Ariana aims to fill these gaps by creating culturally relevant and authentic content. Before dedicating her life to children’s publishing, she spent 10 years in the corporate sector, holding management positions and successfully operating other businesses. Ariana is an alumna of the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business Program and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business. She has received numerous accolades, including the National Association Women’s Business Owner “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Nick, and son, Ethan. On weekends, she enjoys searching for the best breakfast burritos in town and attending her son’s baseball games.
