Mirelle Ortega

Books by This Author

Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land

Young girl surrounded by nature
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish

Growing up on a pineapple farm in Mexico, a girl discovers the true meaning of the word magic in this truly magical picture book about change and transformation of all kinds — what we can't control, such as natural disasters and loss, and what we can. Magic can transform dirt into pineapples, seeds into trees, wool into blankets, words into stories, blank pages into pictures and stories into book.

River of Mariposas

Girl surrounded by yellow butterflies
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish

A young girl dreams of the land’s historic mariposas amarillas and is determined to re-create their glory, even if her butterflies are made of paper. But when nature thwarts her plans, life, magic, and yes, even the rain, bring something more beautiful than she ever could have crafted. Based on the author’s own memories of a hurricane that diverted the migration of thousands of butterflies through her hometown near Veracruz, Mexico, this beautiful story captures the essence of imagination and the beauty of the unexpected.

Books by This Illustrator

Day of the Dead: A Celebration of Life

Children making an altar
Illustrated by: Mirelle Ortega
Age Level: 6-9
Language: Spanish

Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos in Spanish, is a happy celebration. The Mexican holiday is a time to welcome back loved ones who are no longer with us. This is done with offerings of favorite foods, brightly colored marigolds, sugar skulls, and more. This Little Golden Book is a great read-aloud for families that celebrate Day of the Dead, as well as for those who want to learn more about it.

Pepe and the Piñata: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage

Pepe and the Piñata: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage
Illustrated by: Mirelle Ortega
Age Level: 6-9

Pepe is excited to celebrate Christmas with his friends and family. In the town square, families are encouraged to decorate and share foods, traditions, and gifts for the holidays. With new food to taste, music to dance to, and a very special piñata to crack open, Pepe couldn't be more excited to celebrate and share his Hispanic heritage. A day filled with joy and pride, this book joins Pepe and the Parade as a jubilant celebration of culture and identity.