Join us this afternoon with children’s author Belen Medina as she celebrates the release of her beautiful new book Mariposa’s Journey.

Belen Medina is a children’s book author inspired by her Mexican heritage and bicultural upbringing in California’s Central Valley. She is moved by stories of resilence, whether in nature or in humanity. Her debut picture book, Daughter of the Light-Footed People, received multiple starred reviews and was praised for its lyrical voice and powerful storytelling. It was also the recipient of the Washington State Book Award and the America’s Award. She is also the author of So Many Questions, and Emilia Wishing, both published in 2026. Belen lives in the Pacific Northwest with her two sons, who enjoy pointing out all her grammatical errors as she reads them draft after draft of her stories.