Karla Arenas Valenti

Karla Arenas Valenti grew up in Mexico City in a house built around a tree. Her life was always filled with elements of the fantastical which she readily incorporates into her storytelling, taking readers on journeys steeped in magical realism.

Karla writes middle grade novels (including the best-selling and highly-acclaimed Lotería), chapter books (like the exciting Legendarios series and Hispanic Stars biographies), and various picture books. Karla’s stories are heavily influenced by her Mexican heritage and layered with ideas and concepts she’s picked up in her many travels around the world.

Karla currently resides in the Chicagoland area with her husband and three kids, two cats, and hundreds of books.