โœจ Award-Winning Author

Janet Balletta

Where Legends Come Alive

Dive into bilingual legendary tales where the Colombian Mermaid swims majestic waterfalls, a Puerto Rican pirate sails with honor, and Seven Mermaid Sisters are on a Mission to Save the Oceans from water pollution. Discover books to celebrate Hispanic culture and inspire children to fall in love with reading.

Amazonian mermaid swimming through a sunlit underwater world โ€” from Janet Balletta's books
Janet Balletta โ€” Award-winning Children's Book Author
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2015 Mariposa Award โ€” Best First Book
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Purple Dragonfly 1st Place โ€” Cultural Diversity
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International Latino Book Award Winner
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Best Green E-Book โ€” Dragonfly Awards

Our Magical Stories

Bilingual adventures rooted in Latin American legend, cultural pride & environmental wonder.

The Legend of the Colombian Mermaid
๐Ÿงœ Mermaid

The Legend of the Colombian Mermaid

A tale of obedience, family values and cultural tradition, inspired by the author's mother's bedtime stories set in the lush Colombian mountains.

๐Ÿ… Mariposa Award 2015 ๐Ÿฅ‡ Purple Dragonfly 2016
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The Legend of Roberto Cofresi
โš“ Pirate

The Legend of Roberto Cofresi

A Puerto Rican pirate hero whose generosity and loyalty made him a legend. Based on the author's father's childhood tales of the Caribbean.

๐Ÿ† Latino Book Award 2016 ๐Ÿฅ‡ Best Translation 2017
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Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Oceans
๐ŸŒŠ Ocean Mission

Mermaids on a Mission to Save the Oceans

When oil spills threaten ocean life, a courageous band of mermaids unites to fight for clean water. An inspiring eco-adventure for young readers.

๐Ÿ† Best Educational Book 2018 ๐ŸŒฟ Best Green E-Book 2018
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Meet the Author

Janet Balletta โ€” Educator & Award-Winning Author

Janet Balletta

Educator & Award-Winning Author

Janet Balletta is a Kโ€“2 bilingual teacher and award-winning children's book author. Her books are deeply personal โ€” the Colombian Mermaid sprang from her mother's bedtime stories, the Puerto Rican pirate from her father's childhood tales. Through her writing, Janet carries those voices forward to a new generation.

"To inspire children to develop a passion for reading bilingual and multicultural literature to preserve the Hispanic culture, celebrate the Hispanic-American experience, and become environmentally savvy world-class citizens."
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From the Blog

Reading tips, classroom activities, and inspiration for young readers.

Explore Janet's latest stories and classroom inspiration.

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Free Learning Activities

Printable resources, teacher guides & cultural crafts for every book.

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Teacher's Guide
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Story Maps
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Coloring Pages
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Poetry Writing
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Word Search
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Cultural Crafts
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