How Hola Books Came to Life
WE STARTED WITH A SIMPLE QUESTION
Where are the Spanish decodables?
As bilingual educators, we sought out books that not only aligned with the science of reading but also honored our students' stories.
Unfortunately, most of the available options were English-first with subpar translations. Furthermore, few reflected our communities, and almost none made bilingual children feel proud of their identities. As a result, we decided to create our own books.
Spanish first. Heart first.
At HolaBooks, we believe every child deserves to learn to read in the language they know best. That’s why we created the first-ever Spanish-first decodable books as part of a comprehensive Spanish literacy program—grounded in the science of reading, culturally affirming, and joyful for both teaching and learning.
Designed by educators who get it.
We’ve taken what we’ve learned in real classrooms and crafted tools that make teaching easier, more effective, and more joyful. Every HolaBooks resource blends research-based methods with stories that truly connect with bilingual kids.
A place for every reader.
We believe kids should see themselves in the pages they read.
In your classroom, readers bring their own world—and it matters. Our stories reflect real families, real languages, and real joy—so kids feel proud of who they are and curious about others.
The Team
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Feebee, Bailey, and Pablo
Chief Inspiration Officers
Feebee, Bailey, and Pablo are the playful mascots of Hola Books and a big part of our inspiration. They sniff out ideas, spark creativity, and bring joy to our stories. Feebee loves to explore, Bailey is calm and thoughtful, and Pablo is always ready for an adventure. Together, they remind us to see the world with curiosity and create stories full of imagination and fun--in Spanish!
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Lucía
Founder and CEO
Lucía’s vision is the soul of Hola Books. With her background and passion for bilingual education, she founded Hola Books to create high-quality resources that reflect the diverse experiences of bilingual children. Lucía’s leadership is driven by a deep commitment to making bilingual literacy accessible and joyful for all children, supporting their journey in both languages with books that feel like home.
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Liliana
Co-founder and CAO
Liliana is the voice behind every story, bringing authenticity and care to each word. As Chief Academic Officer, she ensures that Hola Books’ decodable books are both linguistically accurate and culturally resonant. Liliana’s attention to detail and commitment to quality make sure that every story is relatable, inspiring, and accessible, creating a bridge for children learning in both English and Spanish.
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Elaine
Lead Content Writer
Elaine is the heart of Hola Books’ storytelling, crafting content that invites children into a world of bilingual reading. Her skillful writing makes learning Spanish and English feel natural and fun. Elaine’s words build connections, encouraging kids to explore language through relatable, warm stories and activities. Her role is essential in shaping content that engages young readers and fosters a love for bilingualism.
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Cara
Project Director
Cara ensures that the heart of Hola Books’ mission is reflected in every operational detail. Her role keeps the company running smoothly, allowing the team to focus on creating meaningful, bilingual resources for young readers. Cara’s dedication to organization and care fosters a positive environment where the team can thrive, always keeping the mission of empowering bilingual learners at the forefront.
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Gabrielle
Art Director
Gabrielle is the creative architect, pouring love into each product and crafting it with thoughtfulness and innovation. Her passion for designing products that resonate deeply with the audience shines through. She listens carefully to the needs of teachers and students, translating them into beautiful and practical designs. Gabrielle’s work is full of intention and care, ensuring that every product feels like a gift to the people who use it.
Contact Us to Bring the Science of Reading to Your School's Classrooms Today!
