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Karla Arenas Valenti writes stories for and about kids, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism and philosophical questions. Her storytelling is heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she's picked up in her many travels around the world. She currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books. Karla writes picture books (she is the creator of the ""My Super Science Heroes"" series). Loteria is her debut middle-grade novel. Dana Sanmar is a Colombian illustrator and graphic designer currently established in Atlanta, USA. Her love for illustration started from a early age due to her parents' love for books. And her early exposure to arts and crafts by her mother nourished her love for creating things by hand, while her dad showed her how to work with different materials and the importance of being resourceful. Following these influences, she got a B.F.A in Graphic Design in her home country. She recently graduated from her M.F.A in Illustration at the Savannah College of Art and Design and currently works a a freelance Illustrator.
A magical, philosophical tale rooted in Mexican lore that will hold readers from beginning to end with its verdant language and setting. -School Library Journal, starred review Fans of Coco will savor this tale. -Publishers Weekly, starred review Clara's unexpected decisions lead to the story's heart: Even when you have no choice about what has happened to you, you can still decide what you're going to do about it. The tale is a scaffolding for this debate, and what a lush, verdant scaffolding it is. -The Horn Book, starred review Both worlds, mortal and magical, are vibrant and gloriously textured, grounded by Sanmar's simple, inviting grayscale illustrations. -The Bulletin An enchanting story, rich with riddles, fantastic creatures, mythical lands, and guided by the magic of hope. -Aida Salazar, award-winning author of Land of Cranes I clung to every word of Loteria, never wanting this captivating novel to end. Brave Clara will live forever in my heart. -Jennifer A. Nielsen, New York Times bestselling author Life and Death's annual game leaves a girl's life in the balance as magical realism meets other-world fantasy in this novel set in Oaxaca...Exquisite illustrations greatly enhance the text. -Kirkus Reviews
