A Lil' Libros Bilingual Biography

Introduce little ones to the life of legendary Ritchie Valens in both English and Spanish!

Born May 13, 1941, Richard Steven Valenzuela, better known as Ritchie Valens, was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His musical journey began in Pacoima, California, at age 5, when his father encouraged him to take up guitar. In high school, he made his performing debut with his band, the Silhouettes. At age 17, Ritchie recorded his final record, which included the songs Donna and La Bamba. That record went on to sell over one million copies. To this day, Ritchie's music continues to live in the hearts of many!

Unable to find bilingual first concept books she could enjoy reading to her baby, Patty Rodriguez came up with the idea behind Lil' Libros. Patty and her work have been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Rolling Stone, CNN Latino, Latina Magazine, Cosmopolitan, People En Espanol, Cosmo Latina, and American Latino TV, to name a few. She is currently Sr. Producer for On Air With Ryan SeacrestiHeartMedia, jewelry designer for MALA by Patty Rodriguez, and creator of Manolos And Tacos.

Ariana Stein, a graduate from California State University, Dominguez Hills, has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. Ariana spent the first eight years of her professional career in the corporate world. Her life changed with the birth of her baby boy. She immediately realized that bilingualism played a very important role in his future, as well as the future of other children.

Reyes, Citlali

Citlali Reyes, born and raised in Mexico, loved to doodle as a child. It was after studying architecture that she was drawn toward the enchanting world of illustration and chose to become an illustrator full-time. Citlali enjoys telling stories through pictures, and her work is strongly influenced by the culture and vibrant colors of her country. She has partnered with Lil' Libros to illustrate more than 15 popular bilingual picture books for children in their board book collection.

Stein, Ariana

Ariana Stein is the co-founder of Lil' Libros, a Los Angeles-based publisher that celebrates bilingualism and Latin American culture. Since 2014, she has co-authored a variety of first concept children's books. Recognizing the bilingual gap and diversity void in children's literature, she became passionate for bilingual education and multicultural books. In 2016, she left her corporate job to focus on Lil' Libros. She has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Forbes, CNN, KTLA, and more. When she's not working, you can find her frequenting her local favorite seafood and taco spots, reading, running, and having in-home jiu-jitsu competitions with her son, Ethan, and husband, Nick. You can find her on Instagram @ariana_stein.

Rodriguez, Patty

Patty Rodriguez is the co-founder of Lil' Libros, a publisher of bilingual children's books and co-author of more than 15 books celebrating the Latino-American experience in this country. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post, Time, and Rolling Stone magazine. She's received numerous awards for her commitment in elevating Latino-American voices, including LA Times' Cultural Influencer Award. You can also listen to Patty every morning in Los Angeles on the On Air with Ryan Seacrest nationally syndicated radio show. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her two boys, Alexander and Oliver. Visit her on Instagram @pattyrodriguez.