Vail Kristina Smerlinder Suárez: A Bilingual Teacher’s Journey to Creating Rabbit Writer Books
Vail Kristina Smerlinder Suárez merges bilingual education with Mexican culture to create a beloved series of children's books.
By
Dec 11, 2025
Vail Kristina Smerlinder Suárez: A Bilingual Teacher's Journey to Creating Rabbit Writer Books
Vail Kristina Smerlinder Suárez never anticipated that a simple semester abroad in 1998 would shape her future in such profound ways. Originally from the United States, she came to Mexico as a university student, only to fall in love with the country, its culture, and, as fate would have it, her future husband. This chance encounter set her on a path that would intertwine her passion for education, her deep admiration for Mexican traditions, and her childhood dream of becoming a children’s author and illustrator.
With over 20 years of experience as a bilingual teacher, Vail’s journey is a testament to the power of language and culture in education. She has dedicated her career to helping students of all ages master English and Spanish in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. But it was her lifelong dream of creating children’s books that ultimately shaped her future.
The Genesis of Rabbit Writer Books
While teaching, Vail saw firsthand the challenges that children face when learning a second language. Her belief was simple: language learning isn't just about vocabulary and grammar; it's about embracing the culture behind the language. This philosophy led to the creation of Rabbit Writer Books, a bilingual children’s book series that blends language learning with the richness of Mexican culture.
The series is designed to teach young readers both English and Spanish, featuring stories that celebrate Mexican traditions, folklore, and everyday life. Vail’s characters include a playful Mexican hairless dog and a curious jaguar who embarks on an adventure through the alphabet. Other books introduce beloved cultural figures like the American Tooth Fairy and the Mexican Tooth Mouse, each telling their version of a similar story from their unique cultural perspectives. Vail has also created books to teach children about the Day of the Dead and Mexican Christmas traditions, bridging the gap between education and cultural understanding.
For Vail, the greatest joy is seeing her books resonate with bilingual families, classrooms, and homeschool communities. She believes in the power of fun to teach: "The games and stories in my books make learning exciting and relevant to children's lives," she says.
Navigating the Challenges of a Bilingual Brand
Turning her dream into reality was not without its challenges. Vail’s vision for Rabbit Writer Books was clear, create high-quality bilingual books that would be educational and culturally authentic. Achieving this meant paying attention to the flow of language and ensuring that each book felt true to both English and Spanish speakers.
Balancing full-time teaching with the demands of writing and illustrating was no small feat. There were moments of doubt, particularly during the early stages of building a brand. Yet, Vail’s unwavering dedication to bilingual education kept her motivated. Over time, Rabbit Writer Books gained a devoted following, and today, the series is available on Amazon in paperback, coloring book, and e-book formats, with audiobooks on the horizon.
Additionally, Vail’s e-store, Bilingual Bodega, showcases a range of cultural products tied to her books, such as T-shirts, coffee mugs, aprons, and notebooks, celebrating Mexican culture and the spirit of bilingual learning.
A New Chapter: Expanding Horizons
As her brand grows, Vail is excited about the future of Rabbit Writer Books. In 2026, she plans to release a series of bilingual language-learning books focused on conversational skills, cultural lessons, and educational games. These books will help both children and adults continue their language journey in an engaging and accessible way.
Vail is also venturing into new territory with her first novel, Messages to Mictlán, a deeply personal story set in modern Mexico. It follows a 15-year-old girl’s exploration of life and death, and her best friend’s spiritual journey. This novel explores Mexican traditions and life celebrations, offering readers a heartfelt connection to the country's cultural landscape.
Both the language-learning books and novel will be available on Rabbit Writer Books' website and on Amazon.
Award Recognition: Best Spanish and English Bilingual Children's Books of 2025
In addition to her growing influence in the bilingual education community, Vail's work has recently been recognized with the prestigious Best Spanish and English Bilingual Children's Books in the United States of 2025 award. This accolade, presented by Best of Best Review, highlights Rabbit Writer Books as a leader in fostering bilingual literacy and cultural appreciation. The recognition reflects Vail’s commitment to creating high-quality educational content that not only teaches language but also connects children with rich cultural traditions.
A Commitment to Culture and Connection
At the heart of Vail's mission is her belief that language is about more than just words, it’s about creating connections across cultures and communities. Through Rabbit Writer Books, Vail is fostering an appreciation for both the English and Spanish languages while sharing the vibrant traditions of Mexico with the world.
For bilingual families, educators, and language learners, Rabbit Writer Books offers an invaluable resource. Whether for classroom use, family reading time, or homeschool curriculums, these books are designed to make learning both fun and meaningful.
Explore and Celebrate Culture
Discover the full range of Rabbit Writer Books and learn more about Vail's work at rabbitwriterbooks.com. To explore cultural merchandise inspired by Vail's books, visit bilingualbodega.com.
Additional Achievements
Beyond her literary endeavors, Vail is a federally accredited tour guide in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where she offers unique food tours through Taste of San Miguel. She also runs Turisteando en Familia, a bilingual, child-friendly tour company that combines education and adventure for families and school groups. For more information about these tours, visit:
Vail’s commitment to bilingual education and cultural connection continues to inspire readers, families, and communities. Through her books, tours, and ongoing projects, she is helping to build a world where learning languages and appreciating diverse cultures are part of everyday life.
