Welcome to Lotus Press Books
At Lotus Press Books, stories come alive, voices are uplifted, and cultures are celebrated. Founded by Dr. Phirin Keo Salinas, an early education professional with over two decades of experience and a community college professor, alongside her daughter, Yanara Grace, a young author with a vibrant imagination and deep pride in her heritage, Lotus Press Books is committed to creating children’s books that honor diversity and shine a light on Khmer culture and beyond.
Our Story
Lotus Press Books was born from a vision rooted in both personal history and professional passion. As a second-generation Cambodian American, Phirin grew up without access to books that reflected her family’s refugee story or the richness of her cultural background.
Becoming a mother deepened her commitment. Determined to give her daughter, Yanara, a foundation of cultural pride, she built a library filled with stories that reflected diverse identities and experiences. Yanara’s own creativity, love for storytelling, and pride in her Cambodian and Mexican American heritage soon became a spark for something greater: the co-creation of books that validate children’s experiences while opening windows to the wider world.
Together, Phirin and Yanara are bridging the gap they once felt, crafting stories that celebrate heritage, foster belonging, and inspire young readers to see themselves and others through a culturally enriched lens.
Why Support Lotus Press Books
Supporting Lotus Press Books means more than buying a book! It means joining a movement. It is a commitment to:
- Representation: Ensuring every child can see themselves reflected in the stories they read.
- Diversity: Celebrating the many cultures, languages, and identities that enrich our communities.
- Empowerment: Using the power of literature and storytelling to inspire pride, connection, and resilience in the next generation.
Your support helps us continue to bring forward stories that connect children with their heritage, inspire a love for reading, and foster empathy and understanding across cultures... everywhere!
Whether you are a parent, educator, or reader, we invite you to walk alongside us in this journey. Together, we can ensure that every child grows up with books that affirm who they are and celebrate the beauty of who we can be.
With gratitude,
Phirin, Yanara, and The Lotus Press Books Team