In this episode of BilingualBook Buddies, we sit down with the incredibly talented illustrator Olivia Sua! Known forher textured, painted cut-paper style and heartfelt storytelling, Olivia bringsa rich cultural perspective to children's books, inspired by her Colombian andSouth African roots.
We chat about her creative journey from the forests of North Bend,Washington to the world of award-winning picture books like Water Day by Margarita Engle. Olivia shares hownature, family, and multicultural identity shape her work—and what it means tomake magic out of paper, color, and imagination.
Tune in to hear about her creative process, recent honors(including the 2025 CCBC Best of the Year!), and what’s next in her artisticadventure.
Whether you're an illustrator, writer, or just a lover ofbeautiful books, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!
Listen now and subscribe for more inspiringchats with bilingual book creators!
Connect with Our Guest:
Website: oliviasua.com
Instagram: @oliviasua
Meet Your Hosts:
Alicia Salazar – Mexican American children’s author andformer elementary school teacher. Author of the Camila the Star series, Aliciacrafts stories that empower young readers.
Website: alicia-salazar.com
Facebook: Alicia Salazar Author
Instagram: @albricias123
Claudia Sloan – Mexican American artist, author, andillustrator known for her whimsical children’s books like Grey Ghost Mischiefand We Are The Valley!. Claudia’s work celebrates Latinx culture and wellness.
Website: claudia-sloan.com
Instagram: @claudia.sloan
Silvia López – Cuban American author and former children’slibrarian. Silvia’s books, including Uno Más, One More: A Latino Retelling ofan Old Scottish Ballad, and Queen of Tejano Music: Selena, highlight culturalheritage and diversity.
Website: silvialopezbooks.com
Instagram: @silvialopezbooks
Facebook: Silvia.Lopez.Writes
About Bilingual Book Buddies:
Bilingual Book Buddies is a podcast dedicated tocelebrating bilingual children’s literature. Each episode featuresconversations with authors, illustrators, and many others involved in bringingbilingual books to life.
Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell tostay updated on future episodes!
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