AWARD-WINNING ENGLISH, SPANISH & BILINGUAL AUTHOR Mary Esparza-Vela is an award-winning author who has been traditionally published 12 times and self-published over 30 picture books and short stories. Her winning short stories include three Honorable Mentions from Writers Digest and a 1st Place online winning entry. Chicken Soup for the Soul recently published her inspirational story, "The Visiting Nurse." Below is a list of her published, award-winning picture books:  The Odd Chick - received a Five-Star Rating SealThe Turtle Who Imagined – Book of the Year Award Winner & Five-Star Rating SealYou Can't Take the Dinosaur Home – received a Book of the Year Award, a Five-Star Rating Seal, a Finalist Award in a national competition, and Winner of a Family Choice AwardLucky's Lick – received a Book of the Year Award and a Five-Star Rating SealIn addition, Mary and her husband, Albert, have co-authored the following English and bilingual picture books (self-published): The Ant Who Can't/La Hormiga Que No Puede - received a Five-Star Rating Seal The Clean Little Pig/El Cochinito Limpio - received a Five-Star Rating SealThe Hungry Owl/El Búho Hambriento - received a Five-Star Rating SealThe Abandoned Dog/El Perro Abandonado - received a Five-Star Rating SealThe Lost Tooth – received Book of the Year Award Winner and a Five-Star Rating SealEl Diente PerdidoAnimal Stories/Cuentos de AnimalesThe Lazy Dog/El Perro PerezosoEl Águila con un Ojo PerezosoThe Eagle with a Lazy EyeThe Spoiled Chick/El Pollito ChifladoThe Grumpy CatfishThe Moody Bear Cub/El Osito de Mal Humor The Fearless Grandpa/El Abuelito ValienteThe Daydreaming Turtle/La Tortuga Soñadora The Lost Burro/El Burro PerdidoThe Scared Bunny/El Conejito AsustadoThe Strange Chick/El Pollito ExtrañoThe Birthday Wish/Un Deseo de CumpleañosThe Faithful Dog/El Perro FielThe Littler CarThe Impatient FarmerThe Bulllied Panda - received a Five-Star Rating SealThe Faithful Dog/El Perro LealA Frog SerenadeAward-Winning Short Stories:A Miracle for Juanito – Honorable Mention, Writers DigestA Mother’s Struggle – Honorable Mention, Writers’ DigestA Message from Donny – Honorable Mention, Writers’ DigestStrangers in the Sky – 1st Place Winner, Writers Group online contestThe Visiting Nurse (Nov 2016), Chicken Soup for the Soul: Angels & MiraclesPatented Inventor:Mary is also the patented inventor of three plush dolls that received "Preferred Choice" and "Seal of Excellence" awards from a panel made up of parents and educators. TDMonthly Toy Magazine featured them as “winning toys.” Adventures involving the doll characters have been published in English and Spanish. You may see the dolls and books on www.readingforfun.net. A Visit with Santa - received a Five-Star Rating SealLittle Brother’s Temper TantrumsLos Berrinches del HermanitoThe Rock MovedLa Piedra se MovíoMs. Vela previously worked as an Editorial Assistant and was selected as “Civilian of the Year” for her contributions to a publications office. She attended classes at Gemini Ink, Women on Writing, the Institute of Children’s Literature, and the Easy to Write Academy. Memberships include the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, the Writers League of Texas, the Society of Latino & Hispanic Writers, and Texas Authors.Author's Main Goal:  To motivate children to read by incorporating humor, imagination, and entertainment into her stories. Target ages are 4-9 years of age. Books may be found on www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, or by going to www.readingforfun.net.