Paola Santos
Children's Book Author
events & Visits
MORE INFO
For information about U.S.A. author visit rates and bookings, please contact Sarah DeVore at
How Now Booking
(Sarah @ HowNowBooking.com)
Contact Paola for inquiries
upcoming Events
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
World Read-Aloud Day
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Strathcona County Library
Explore, Sense, Write! with Paola Santos (Grades 3 - 6).
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sherwood Park
Saturday, March 21, 2025
Village Voices Classroom
Explore, Sense, Write!
Virtual Visit
¡Bienvenidos! Welcome!
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with young children, to be a part of their lives, foster their creativity, and help them express their emotions. My goal is to establish a connection with my readers, share the pleasure of reading, and provide them with the tools to enhance their understanding of different cultures. Thank you for considering me as a guest to visit your school!"
As a writer and immigrant, I love connecting with readers and sharing my culture, traditions, and what it’s like to write in a second language.
I offer talks and workshops, virtual or in person, on my publishing journey, writing process, and how family and culture inspire my stories. I also enjoy giving students a peek into the creative process, from the first spark to the finished book.
As a native Spanish speaker, I’m happy to support bilingual programs by adapting presentations to meet curriculum goals and celebrate language learning.
All presentations are available in English or Spanish!
Want to learn more? Download my packages for Canada or the U.S.A., or feel free to contact me with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
Presentations
Grades K-2
Storytime & Movement Break. Topics: Latine culture, nature, family, intergenerational relationships, and the five senses.
What if a story could take you somewhere warm and full of flavor? Paola will begin this engaging session by sharing a bit of her childhood in Venezuela and will invite children to experience a taste of her culture. Then, she will bring How to Eat a Mango or Cómo se come un mango to life in a lively, interactive read-aloud. A playful movement activity will follow, helping students connect the story with their bodies and imaginations. Paola’s naturally playful approach will turn storytime into a mini celebration of language, joy, and curiosity. (30-minute session)
Standards Alignment:
This session supports early literacy and listening skills while nurturing curiosity, empathy, and cultural awareness. Students explore language and movement through story, connecting imagination with real-world experiences.
Grades 3-4
Storytime & Writing with the Senses. Topics: Latine culture, nature, family, intergenerational relationships, the five senses, and creative writing. Paola will open this session by sharing her own story, growing up in Venezuela, and becoming an author in a second language. This personal introduction will connect naturally to the read-aloud of How to Eat a Mango or Cómo se come un mango, inviting students to experience the story with open minds and curiosity. Before concluding with a brief Q&A, students will dive into a writing activity using their five senses to spark original ideas. Paola will help children see writing as an adventure, where even a sound, scent, or texture can inspire a whole new story. (Up to 60 minutes)
Core Standards Alignment:
Students strengthen reading, writing, and creative thinking skills through sensory exploration and storytelling. The session also encourages reflection, empathy, and appreciation for cultural identity and nature.
Grades 5-6
A Book Blooms / Un libro florece. Topics: Latine culture, creative process, creative writing, and book journey. Paola will take students on a lively, behind-the-scenes journey through the creation of How to Eat a Mango. From initial sparks to discarded drafts and surprising turns, students will discover the creative process in all its playful, unpredictable stages. Paola will share how her cultural background, love of language, and childhood in Venezuela shaped the story. Through an interactive “HOW TO” brainstorming activity, students will experiment with turning their ideas into books that could bloom next. (Up to 60-minute session)
Core Standards Alignment:
This session builds writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills while introducing students to the creative process. It also promotes self-expression, resilience, and understanding of how culture and personal experience shape stories.
Explore, Sense, Write! / ¡Explora, siente, escribe! Topics: Latine culture, nature, the five senses, creative process, and creative writing. In this hands-on workshop, Paola will help students unlock the magic of their senses through guided activities that turn everyday moments into stories. She will share how her memories of smells, tastes, and sounds from Venezuela have shaped her writing, and will invite students to explore their sensory memories in playful ways. With an interactive approach that blends observation, imagination, and fun, Paola will show students how even the smallest details can spark big ideas. (Up to 60-minute session)
Core Standards Alignment:
Students practice descriptive writing and observation skills while exploring connections between memory, senses, and imagination. The session encourages mindfulness, creativity, and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Rachell Abalos, Library Media Assistant at Bandini Elementary School
"(Paola) gave a thorough introduction of herself and the inspiration to her story. While reading, she was very interactive and made the students part of the story. We had over 75 students in attendance! It was a wonderful experience for our school."
Sarah, Elementary Teacher at Nellie Carlson School
"Paola was very engaging, and the students were interested in her beautiful story and interactive presentation!"
Paulina, Kindergarten Teacher at Holy Child School
"ENGAGING! Paola (...) was all about engaging the students through the provoking reading of her book (...). Even though she read virtually, Paola (...) led the class through a movement break relevant to the story. We would be excited to invite Paola back to our classroom and school! Gracias Paola!"