In today’s rapidly evolving world, children’s literature has become far more than entertainment—it has emerged as a meaningful tool for emotional growth, empathy, and self-discovery. Among the voices making a lasting impact in this space is Mona Liza Santos, an award-winning Filipina children’s author whose work continues to inspire families, educators, and young readers across the globe.
As the founder of World Love Press, Santos has dedicated her career to creating stories that nurture emotional literacy, kindness, resilience, and self-worth in children. Since beginning her writing journey during the COVID-19 pandemic, she has authored more than forty children’s books, establishing herself as a respected and influential voice in modern children’s literature.
What makes Santos’s journey particularly compelling is the deeply personal inspiration behind her work. During a period of uncertainty while her husband was away on military orders, she began writing bedtime rhymes to comfort and connect with her son. What started as a heartfelt family moment soon evolved into a powerful literary mission—one centered on helping children better understand their emotions and feel seen, valued, and supported.
Her books explore themes that resonate strongly with today’s families and educators, including self-love, empathy, mindfulness, inclusion, identity, and emotional resilience. Through thoughtful storytelling and relatable characters, Santos creates safe spaces for children to navigate complex feelings while building confidence and compassion. Her work has increasingly been embraced not only by parents, but also by teachers, counselors, and advocates of social-emotional learning who recognize the importance of emotional development during early childhood.
Among her notable achievements is receiving the prestigious Mom’s Choice Awards Gold Award for her acclaimed children’s book Mama, I Love You. The book also earned “A” category recognition from BookLife Reviews by Publishers Weekly, further highlighting the quality and impact of her storytelling. In recognition of her contributions to literature and community influence, Santos was additionally honored through an official proclamation by the City of National City.
Beyond her work as an author, Santos has become a passionate advocate for kindness, cultural awareness, and unity. She is the creator of National Intentional Kindness Day, observed annually on August 24 to encourage intentional acts of kindness in schools, homes, and communities. The initiative reflects her belief that small acts of compassion can create meaningful and lasting social change.
She is also the founder of Heritage and Heart Day, celebrated on October 15. This initiative encourages individuals to honor their cultural roots while promoting unity, acceptance, and mutual understanding among diverse communities. The observance also serves as a meaningful celebration of Filipino heritage while symbolically marking the conclusion of both Hispanic Heritage Month and Filipino American History Month.
Santos’s global perspective has also played an important role in shaping her voice as a storyteller. Having traveled to more than seventy countries, she has gained a deep appreciation for the diversity of cultures and traditions around the world. These experiences continue to reinforce her belief that, despite cultural differences, the values of kindness, empathy, belonging, and family remain universal. Through her books, she brings Filipino values of compassion, resilience, and community to an international audience, helping expand Filipino representation within children’s literature.
As a Filipina author based in the United States, Mona Liza Santos continues to break barriers while creating stories that transcend borders and generations. Her growing body of work reflects not only literary creativity, but also a profound commitment to nurturing the emotional well-being of children worldwide.
Looking ahead, Santos remains focused on expanding her global mission through literature, education, and advocacy. She hopes to integrate her books and initiatives into more schools and communities worldwide, empowering children with the tools to understand emotions, build confidence, and develop empathy from an early age.
At the heart of her vision is a desire to help create safer, more compassionate environments for children—spaces where kindness, inclusion, and respect can flourish. Through both her storytelling and advocacy efforts, Mona Liza Santos continues to inspire the next generation to grow with empathy, resilience, and a strong sense of identity, leaving a meaningful and lasting impact on children and families around the world.
