What I Never Imagined My First Children’s Picture Book Could Teach Me

What I Never Imagined My First Children’s Picture Book Could Teach Me

In this Immigrant Heritage Month episode, I reflect on the journey of writing and illustrating Clarita Migrates North and the unexpected impact the book has had over the past 10 months. I share stories from school visits, community readings, and conversations with families who saw their own migration experiences reflected in Clarita’s story. We explore the power of representation, storytelling, and what happens when children finally see themselves in the books they read.

I'm writing a new children's picture book: A Story About Feeling Different

In this episode, I open up about the beginning stages of creating my second children’s picture book and why this project feels deeply personal to me. Unlike past projects, I’m sharing this story while it’s still unfolding, including the uncertainty, the emotional exploration, and the creative process behind it. I reflect on how creating and sharing Clarita Migrates North transformed me as an artist and storyteller, especially after witnessing how deeply children, families, and communities connected with seeing themselves represented in literature. That experience pushed me to continue exploring children’s books as spaces for belonging, healing, and reflection. This new story centers around a child who feels different. This book can be a great way to talk about explores themes of identity, culture, language, neurodivergence, and existing between worlds. I talk about the emotional inspiration behind the imagery of stars, why the feeling of being “out of place” resonates with so many people, and the importance of creating stories that remind children they do not have to erase parts of themselves in order to belong. I also share a moving comment that deeply affirmed why I’m creating this book and why representation in children’s literature matters so much. Thank you for listening and supporting this journey. This podcast is sponsored by Antonio Alanís Art and made possible through the support of my children’s picture book, Clarita Migrates North. Every book purchase, share, and recommendation helps continue this work and the creation of stories centered on culture, identity, and belonging.  To support my work, head out to antonioalanisart.com/books

Why Documenting our Work Matters When Applying for Art Grants as a Beginner Artist

In this episode I want to talk about the importance of documentign our work as we go when applying to art grants.

Love Letter to México from a Returning Son

Returning to Mexico always stirs so many emotions for me. I get engulfed in memories, sensations, and stories that live deep within me. Many turns feel like rediscovering a piece of myself that I left behind, a reminder of where my roots run deepest. In this video, I want to share something very personal: a love letter I wrote to this beautiful country, to its people, to its music and landscapes that continue to shape who I am. Since publishing Clarita Migrates North, I’ve been drawn to explore more of my identity and migration story through writing. I’m finding out that each visit to Mexico opens new doors, unveiling histories and emotions I didn’t know I had or forgot I had. This love letter is a small reflection of that journey, a quiet moment between me and the place that continues to teach me who I am.

Leer Nuestra Historia Con Nuestros Hijos: Una Madre Habla de Clarita Emigra al Norte

Imagina revivir los momentos más agridulces de tu migración mientras lees un cuento a tu hija, y que ella, sin haberlo vivido, conecte con tus sacrificios, hasta preguntarte por el perrito que dejaron atrás. Eso es exactamente lo que pasó con María, una madre que nos cuenta sobre su experiencia leyendo el libro Clarita Emigra al Norte, durante el mes del arte de ISLA Immersion for Spanish Language Acquisition.  En esta conversación con Antonio Alanís, María nos cuenta cómo el libro Clarita Emigra al Norte no solo despertó sus recuerdos familiares, sino que se convirtió en un puente para hablar con su hija sobre sus raíces, emociones y la vida bilingüe. Desde la nostalgia del adiós hasta la magia de un libro físico que "conecta de verdad", sus palabras resaltan por qué estas historias son esenciales para padres e hijos en la diáspora latina. Acompáñanos a descubrir este libro, disponible en español e inglés, y reflexiona: ¿qué historias compartimos con las nuevas generaciones?  Gracias a Josué Daniel Cordova [https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-alan%C3%ADs-23001016/#] por la invitación de compartir mi libro.