Mirelle

Ortega

Award Winning Artist

Illustrator and Writer

Travels from: Los Angeles, CA

“This is a heartfelt ode to Mexico and the power of children’s imaginations to impart beauty and wonder onto the world.” ― School Library Journal

Mirelle Ortega is an award-winning Mexican artist and writer for kidlit and animation based in Los Angeles, California. She is the author-illustrator of RIVER OF MARIPOSAS and MAGIC: ONCE UPON A FARAWAY LAND, for which she received a 2023 Pura Belpré Award Honor for illustration and an International Latino Book Awards medal.

She’s a prolific children’s books illustrator creating covers for best-selling middle grade series such as FROM THE DESK OF ZOE WASHINGTON, CECE RIOS and LOVE SUGAR MAGIC, artwork for acclaimed chapter books series such as THE MYTHICS, VOTE FOR EFFIE and MERMAIDS ROCK, and vibrant illustrations for picture books like FREE TO LEARN, THE MERMAID PRINCESSES and PEPE AND THE PARADE.

Mirelle's Featured Titles

Please Pass the Tamales!

Crown Books for Young Readers |

August 18, 2026

Children’s

A mouth-watering picture book that celebrates the rich cultural diversity and culinary traditions of tamal-making across the Americas. Features an informative backmatter and activity created by collaborator, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino!

Join Liliana, Yasmany, Tomás, Eduardo, Isabela, and Valeria as they help their families prepare delicious tamales from Mexico, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Colombia! Each family has their own recipe for this special dish, but they all share ingredients, and come together for one big tamalada.

BIPOC Representation, Food & Culinary, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Latinx Heritage

All of Apolonia

Abrams Books for Young Readers |

March 24, 2026

Children’s

From two-time Paralympic gold medalist Patty Cisneros Prevo and award-winning illustrator Mirelle Ortega comes a slam-dunk picture book about a wheelchair basketball player and her search for belonging―perfect for fans of Just Ask!

It’s Apolonia’s birthday, and she can’t wait to celebrate with her teammates and her cousins. Mamá’s rented extra wheelchairs so her primas can join her for a game of wheelchair basketball, and Papá’s making arracheras and tres leches cake for all of her guests.

But as the party approaches, Apolonia starts to worry that her two worlds are on a collision course. Her teammates want pizza and ice cream, and her cousins think wheelchair basketball sounds weird. Apolonia wonders if this birthday party is a mistake, but with a little help from Mamá, she realizes that her community wants to celebrate her―every part of her.

In this beautiful story with Spanish words and phrases sprinkled throughout, two-time Paralympic gold medalist Patty Cisneros Prevo and award-winning illustrator Mirelle Ortega explore the fears many kids have about fitting in and recognize the joy of being celebrated for exactly who they are.

BIPOC Representation, Bullying & Social Anxiety, Disability Awareness, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Latinx Heritage, Sports & Recreation

I Am, Yo Soy: Dual-lingual English-Spanish

HarperCollins |

March 25, 2025

Children’s

From the author of Only for a Little While comes a lyrical dual-lingual picture book about the beauty of being part of two cultures.

I’m from here y soy de allá.

With lyrical text in English and Spanish, this vibrant picture book is a celebration of Hispanic American identity—showcasing the beauty of being part of two cultures. Author Gabriela Orozco Belt and Pura Belpré Award Honor Book illustrator Mirelle Ortega honor all the big and small ways that embracing both heritages are the key to being exactly who you’re meant to be.

BIPOC Representation, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Friendship & Community, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Latinx Heritage, Social & Emotional Development

Mamiachi & Me: My Mami’s Mariachi Band

Abrams Books for Young Readers |

January 7, 2025

Children’s

Mamiachi & Me is a lyrical and empowering picture book written by Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez and illustrated by Mirelle Ortega, winner of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor, about what it means to be a mariachi in an all‑female band.

Today’s the day! Rosa will take the stage next to her mami and play along with her popular mariachi band. But as they fasten the shiny botonaduras and tie the moños on their charra suits, Rosa begins to worry. What if the audience doesn’t like her? Is she ready to perform?

With her “mamiachi” and madrinas by her side, Rosa’s stage fright is soothed away by the sound of trumpets, guitars, and violins. Centering on the power of sisterhood, community, and music, the warm and lively text by mother-and-son writing duo Jolene and Dakota Gutiérrez—joined by Mirelle Ortega’s beautiful illustrations—provides a unique perspective to the male-dominated world of mariachi. Back matter includes additional context on the history of the beloved Mexican tradition and the rise of all-female mariachi groups, as well as a glossary, a bibliography, further reading, and a fun, detailed look at a mariachi’s signature charro suit!

Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Latinx Heritage

River of Mariposas: A Picture Book

Harry N. Abrams |

August 1, 2023

Children’s

From Mirelle Ortega, the author-illustrator of Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land comes River of Mariposas, a vibrant, colorful picture book story of imagination and the determination of a child to bring back the butterflies—even if she has to make them herself.

Can you imagine a time when the land and the sky belonged to the mariposas? I can . . .

A young girl dreams of the land’s historic mariposas amarillas and is determined to re-create their glory, even if her butterflies are made of paper. But when nature thwarts her plans, life, magic, and yes, even the rain, bring something more beautiful than she ever could have crafted.

Based on the author’s own memories of a hurricane that diverted the migration of thousands of butterflies through her hometown near Veracruz, Mexico, this beautiful story captures the essence of imagination and the beauty of the unexpected.

Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Latinx Heritage

Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land

Harry N. Abrams |

September 6, 2022

Children’s

In Magic: Once Upon a Faraway Land, her acclaimed debut as author and illustrator, Mirelle Ortega shares her own story of growing up near her family’s pineapple farm in Mexico, where she learned the true meaning of magic.

A 2023 Pura Belpré Youth Illustration Honor Book

Growing up on a pineapple farm in Mexico, a girl discovers the true meaning of the word magic in this truly magical picture book about change and transformation of all kinds—what we can’t control, such as natural disasters and loss, and what we can. Magic can transform dirt into pineapples, seeds into trees, wool into blankets, words into stories, blank pages into pictures and stories into book.

BIPOC Representation, Fantasy, Speculative & Science Fiction, Illustration & Graphic Storytelling, Kid-Lit: Picture Books & Early Readers, Latinx Heritage

Storytime + Art demo

A short reading of my author/illustrator debut MAGIC followed by a 2 part drawing demo. Part 1 focuses in getting children engaged by participating in a drawing with shapes exercise where I show them shapes and ask them to tell me what characters they can come up with them. Part 2 focuses in a step by step draw along where I give detailed instructions and we draw animal characters together.

RIVER OF MARIPOSAS Story time + Butterfly craft!

A short reading of RIVER OF MARIPOSAS (where we also listen to a little of the song mentioned in the book “Cielito Lindo”) followed by a butterfly craft to “fill the room with butterflies” like the girl in the story.

Author/Illustrator's journey

A talk about my journey becoming a children’s book illustrator, the general process of creating an illustrator and writing a book. Depending on the audience sometimes I follow this with a drawing demo.

Character design workshop

Character design art workshop! Book a one day character design workshop with me where I will work with your students in an exercise to help them create an original line up of characters based on a pre-existing story. Audience: 10 and older.

“There’s nothing quite like seeing a screen full of excited faces, and Claribel Ortega delivered just that during her virtual visit with our 3rd through 5th graders. From her perfectly tailored presentation to her genuine connection with the students during Q&A, Claribel turned our afternoon into an unforgettable literary event. The excitement hasn’t faded, either—if you’re looking for her books in our library, you’ll have to get on the waiting list!” — Pine Crest Elementary, 2026

“Ms. Ortega’s visit to our school was an unforgettable experience for our students. We deeply admire her work as both an author and illustrator, as well as the passion she brings to storytelling. It was especially meaningful that she spoke Spanish during her presentations, allowing our students and families to connect with her on a deeper level. Seeing an accomplished author who shares their language and cultural background was truly inspiring, showing them that they, too, can become writers and storytellers. Beyond her talent, her kindness and warmth with the children made the experience even more special. She took the time to engage with students, answer their questions, and encourage them to embrace the joy of reading and creativity. We are grateful for the opportunity to have hosted her and highly recommend her to any school looking to provide an enriching and culturally meaningful literary experience.” ― Whittier Elementary, 2025

“We were absolutely delighted to have Mirelle Ortega visit our school! She captivated our students with her vibrant energy and passion for art. During her visit, Mirelle led a drawing demonstration where students had the opportunity to draw alongside her, igniting their creative spark. She also brought the experience to life by playing beautiful Mexican music, teaching the students some Spanish words, and reading her book River of Mariposas. Her storytelling was magical, and the students were deeply engaged. As a special treat, Mirelle signed copies of the book for each of our classrooms, which was a cherished gift for both students and teachers. Many of our students, who dream of becoming artists, left the event feeling inspired and motivated to pursue their creative passions. Mirelle’s visit was an unforgettable experience, and we are so grateful for the positive impact she had on our school community!” ― Rio Vista Elementary School, 2025

“(MAGIC is) A beautiful ode to home that will resonate with children of all ages. A must purchase.” ― School Library Journal

“(RIVER OF MARIPOSAS) is a heartfelt ode to Mexico and the power of children’s imaginations to impart beauty and wonder onto the world.” ― School Library Journal

MAGIC Teacher Resources Link

RIVER OF MARIPOSAS Butterfly Craft Link

Coloring Pages Link

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Selection of Best Books for Kids of 2023 of the New York Public Library (MAGIC: ONCE UPON A FARAWAY LAND, Spanish Version)
Longlisted by Reading the West (FREE TO LEARN)
Starred Review from Booklist (FREE TO LEARN)
Pura Belpre Award Honor for Illustration (MAGIC: ONCE UPON A FARAWAY LAND)
International Latino Book Award Bronze Medal (MAGIC: ONCE UPON A FARAWAY LAND)
Society of Illustration Original Art Show Selection (MAGIC: ONCE UPON A FARAWAY LAND)
Selection of the ALSC Notable Children’s Books of 2023 (MAGIC: ONCE UPON A FARAWAY LAND)
Starred Review from SLJ (RIVER OF MARIPOSAS)
Starred Review from Booklist (FREE TO LEARN).
Bookstagang best of 2023, Community favorite for illustration (RIVER OF MARIPOSAS)
New York Public Library Best Books for Kids list 2023 (MAGIA: EN UNA TIERRA MUY LEJANA)
Bank Street College of Education: Los Mejores Libros Infantiles en Español 2022 (SMALL ROOM, BIG DREAMS)