Diane de Anda, a third-generation Latina, grew up in Los Angeles. She became a teacher, first of children and teens, and ultimately, a professor of social welfare at UCLA. Soon Diane began writing stories from the tales told to her by her great-grandparents and grandmother about their experiences during the Mexican Revolution and beyond. Realizing the need for children’s books in which Latino children could see themselves and their families, she also began to write books where they were the main characters. Diane is the author of several picture books, including Mango Moon, 21 Cousins, and The Day Abuela Got Lost.
Emily Mendoza is a Mexican-American illustrator from Southern California. She journeyed all across the United States to receive her BFA in illustration from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, and is now thriving in Queens! Growing up in CA, she was always surrounded by Mexican culture and tradition where she learned more about her Hispanic roots through her family, her communication, and illustration. She loves using bright colors and vivid textures to showcase diversity and bring out excitement in her work.
