Author Claudia Villarreal Visits Local Elementary

Updated: December 19, 2024

By Mike Villarreal

Recently, Claudia Villarreal, author of “The Bully Who Learned to Love,” visited the Los Fresnos Elementary Library. The students enjoyed the experience and learned an important lesson about kindness. Teachers at Los Fresnos Elementary, Mrs. De La Cruz and Miss Frankie, were very grateful for the memorable day.
Claudia Villarreal is an award-winning author who was born in Laredo, Texas, and raised in Zapata. She graduated from Zapata High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M International University. After obtaining an alternative teaching certification, she taught special education in various schools in California and Texas. While in California, she also became a member of the Screen Actors Guild.

Claudia has taken on many roles throughout her journey, including Business Owner, Professional Actress, Educator, and Children’s Book Author. Her first children’s book, “The Alphabet Thief Who Stole the Vowels,” has sold nearly 25,000 copies to date.

In 2018, Claudia began writing her second book, “The Bully Who Learned to Love, ” published in 2019. Aimed at readers aged 4-8, this book conveys a valuable lesson relevant to people of all ages.

Ms. Villarreal’s new book addresses topics that are often difficult to discuss. Her goal is to encourage dialogue about bullying and diversity. In “The Bully Who Learned to Love,” readers will connect with the Bully character as he learns that our differences make us unique. This topic is crucial for children today, as bullying can significantly impact a child’s life.

Creating a positive environment in our schools is crucial, especially considering the various challenges children encounter with schoolwork, social interactions, and daily pressures. These challenges can significantly impact their emotional and mental well-being. Therefore, we need to come together as a community, starting in our own homes, to instill in our children the values of respect, kindness, and appreciation for our differences and shared experiences.

We can achieve this by actively engaging in open discussions about diversity and inclusivity, encouraging our children to embrace various perspectives and backgrounds. It’s essential to model compassionate behavior ourselves, showing them how to resolve conflicts amicably and support their peers.

Through these efforts, we can collectively create a brighter future. By fostering an atmosphere where compassion and understanding flourish, we empower our children to develop into empathetic individuals who can contribute positively to society. Together, we can make a difference, one day at a time, building a strong foundation for generations to come.
Photos by Los Fresnos Elementary Facebook Page