Karla Arenas Valenti

Karla Arenas Valenti is the Pura Belpré award winning author of best selling middle grade novels, chapter books, and picture books. Her books are on various state reading lists and have received multiple starred reviews, as well as being featured on NPR’s Sunday Edition, the Drew Barrymore Show, and several Best of the Year lists, including Kirkus Best Book of the Year, Banks Street Best Children’s Book, School Library Journal’s Best Books, Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year, Evanston Public Library Best Book of the Year, PEOPLE’s pick for best children’s book, and Best Books for kids by Entertainment Weekly.

Karla grew up in Mexico City, in a house built around a tree. Her childhood was filled with fantastical elements, which she incorporates into her books–taking children on journeys steeped in magical realism and fantasy. Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.