Award-Winning Children's Book Author
Author of 40+ children's books on emotional literacy, kindness and confidence.
Stories that remind children they are worthy of love, proud of who they are, and never too small to make a difference through kindness. Rooted in belonging, confidence, and cultural identity, each story helps young readers feel seen while encouraging them to grow into compassionate, resilient individuals.
✨Trusted by families, educators, and therapists worldwide.
Kindness and emotional strength begin in childhood.
“I believe teaching children how to understand their hearts is just as important as teaching them how to read.” - Mona Liza Santos
Where Stories Go Beyond the Page
Sometimes, all it takes is one story to help a child understand a feeling, find confidence, or realize they're not alone. A book can also bring families closer, help teachers start meaningful conversations, and remind children that kindness, empathy, and appreciating our differences matter.
Through World Love Press, what began as one mother's love for her son has grown into an established collection of children's literature, educational resources, and community initiatives centered on emotional intelligence, resilience, cultural identity, and belonging. From award-recognized books to cultural storytelling and kindness advocacy, that work continues to reach beyond the bookshelf. Building on this foundation, World Love Press is developing its vision for a broader educational platform supporting teachers, school counselors, families, and communities.
Because the greatest impact of a story isn't always found on its pages, but in the difference it makes in someone's life.
Sharing stories and connecting with young readers at Barnes & Noble Torrance, September 2026.💕
Featured In...
Mona Liza Santos is an award-winning Filipina American children's author, publisher, educator, and founder of World Love Press. What began during the pandemic as a mother writing stories for her son grew into an unexpected publishing career. Since her debut with Mama, I Love You in 2021, she has written 42 children's books and counting, exploring kindness, confidence, emotional literacy, resilience, family, and cultural identity.
Inspired by motherhood, her Filipino American heritage, and travels through more than 70 countries and destinations, Mona creates stories that encourage children to understand their feelings, appreciate who they are, and develop compassion for others. In 2025, she founded World Love Press to bring her books together and explore new opportunities in children's education, literacy, and community engagement.
Her work has earned a 2026 TITAN Women Leadership Gold Award, five finalist honors in the 2026 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business, and recognition as a 2026 TOFA honoree. Beyond publishing, she founded National Intentional Kindness Day and Heritage and Heart Day, both recognized by the City of National City, California. Through World Love Press, she also helped launch the inaugural Kwento at Kulay at Seafood City Chula Vista, bringing Filipino cultural storytelling into an everyday community space.
Her vision goes beyond publishing more books. It's about creating stories, learning opportunities, and community connections that children and families can carry with them for years to come.
There's more to my story!
Beyond the books, discover my travels, creativity, community work, and the many chapters of my life.
Featured Books
Click on a book cover title to learn more about it.
Book trailers of my books
When Stories Bring People Together
One of the most rewarding parts of Mona Liza's journey as an author is seeing her books become part of real-life experiences. Whether she's reading to children at a bookstore, meeting families, or sharing stories about cultural traditions, it's a reminder that books can bring people together in ways that go far beyond reading.
In July 2026, through World Love Press, Mona helped launch the first Kwento at Kulay (Story and Color) at Seafood City Chula Vista. Families came together to enjoy Filipino children's literature, storytelling, and creative activities in a place where they already shop and gather. The event received wonderful feedback from Seafood City's team and sparked interest in bringing the program to other locations.
Her commitment to bringing people together also inspired her to establish National Intentional Kindness Day, observed on August 24, and Heritage and Heart Day, observed on October 15. Both have been recognized through proclamations by the City of National City, California. One encourages people to make kindness a conscious part of everyday life, while the other celebrates the traditions, family stories, and cultural roots that make us who we are.
For Mona, these experiences are about more than sharing books or organizing special days. They're about creating opportunities for children and families to connect, learn from one another, and feel that their stories and experiences matter.
Memories from the inaugural Kwento at Kulay (Story and Color) at Seafood City Chula Vista, July 11, 2026. A celebration of Filipino heritage, children's literature, and community, bringing families together through storytelling, creativity, and shared traditions.
Every child is unique, and so are my books. If you didn’t see a title that feels just right, let me know what you’re looking for—I’d be happy to recommend the best match from my collection. 💕
Books for Classrooms, Counselors & Families
Every child has their own story, and sometimes the feelings they carry aren't easy to put into words. Whether it's struggling with confidence, navigating friendships, managing big emotions, or feeling different from others, the right book can help open a conversation that matters.
Through World Love Press, Mona Liza creates children's books that explore emotional intelligence, kindness, resilience, self-worth, inclusion, and cultural identity. Her stories offer teachers, school counselors, librarians, parents, and community organizations meaningful ways to encourage understanding, empathy, and connection.
Looking for an Emotional Literacy Book Bundle for your classroom, school, counseling program, or family? Mona would be happy to personally help you put together a customized collection based on your children's ages, interests, and learning needs. Whether you're focusing on emotional awareness, confidence, friendship, kindness, or cultural understanding, she'd love to hear about your goals and recommend books that fit.
Building on her growing collection, World Love Press is also exploring additional educational resources, including discussion guides, creative activities, and interactive learning experiences that could help bring these conversations into everyday learning.
Mona believes that helping children understand themselves is just as important as teaching them to appreciate others. Whether a story is shared in a classroom, counseling office, library, or at home, the hope is that it encourages children to express themselves, recognize their strengths, and treat others with compassion.
Because every child deserves to feel heard, understood, and valued, no matter where they come from.
