Orly Benaroch Light

Orly Benaroch Light is a children’s book author, the founder of MCE Conferences and Mid-Life Women, and an advocate for global peace and women’s empowerment. Born to Moroccan parents and raised in Canada, she grew up speaking several languages. A proud mom, Yemma, and food enthusiast, she lives by the sea in San Diego, California, with her Peekapoo, Alfie.

Her career spanned global tourism and continuing medical education, where she built platforms that connect and educate learners. Inspired by her travels, her love of discovering new cultures, her activism, and her passion for learning, she created the character Papimento for her children when they were young, a character whose fantasy adventures also offer meaningful lessons.

Now, with her children grown and cheering her on, Orly is bringing Papimento’s stories to life, beginning with Papimento and the Chocolate Mountains. The fantasy adventure series encourages young readers to embrace friendship and teamwork, celebrate our differences, and help create a kinder world.

Orly is a proud member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), where she continues to grow her craft and connect with a global community of storytellers.

Deeply committed to social impact, she volunteers her time and energy with organizations supporting efforts to improve human rights around the world.

Fun Facts About Orly

Any chocolate with nuts.

The Little Prince: Orly liked The Little Prince because it was about an aviator, and she had been fascinated by planes ever since her first flight when she was 10. The story is also about noticing the important things you can’t always see—like feelings and friendships—instead of just what’s on the outside.

Orly has traveled to many beautiful places, each with its own unique charm. A few that truly stand out to her are Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, and Bermuda.

Rogério Coelho

Rogério, based in Curitiba, Brazil, is a passionate illustrator and storyteller. With a lifelong love for drawing, he has brought over 100 books to life for publishers around the world. His work has earned prestigious honors, including two Jabuti Prizes and a gold medal at the Independent Publisher Book Awards for Boat of Dreams. Rogério lives with his wife, Regina, and their three children, continuing to inspire readers and artists alike with his creativity and dedication.

Rogério has been twice honored with Brazil’s prestigious Prêmio Jabuti literary prize and earned a Gold Medal at the Independent Publisher Book Awards (IPPY) in the “Children’s Picture Books (all ages)” category. His award-winning work has garnered international recognition for its contributions to children’s literature.

Fun Facts About Rogério

Chocolate with rice flakes.

Rogério does not have a favorite book, but he does have a favorite reading: the stories of Donald Duck and Uncle Scrooge written and drawn by Carl Barks.

Rogério’s favorite place is his home, surrounded by family and his books. He once took a wonderful trip to Chile, where he experienced lots of snow—a journey that inspired and helped him with the illustrations for Papimento and the Chocolate Mountains.

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