Diana Lee Santamaria, Author, DLee's World

Meet the Author

Diana Lee Santamaria

Diana Lee Santamaria is an award-winning children’s author, early childhood educator, and host of Storytime with DLee—a bilingual children’s literacy show that brings stories to life through music, creativity, and heart. With over 14 years of experience in the classroom and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Diana uses her own childhood struggles with reading to inspire children everywhere to discover the joy and confidence that come from stories.

Through her beloved bilingual DLee’s World series, Diana has built a colorful universe where learning, laughter, and representation shine. Her titles—DLee’s Color Hunt, DLee’s Outdoor Countdown, DLee’s First Day of School, DLee’s Nighttime Scare, DLee’s Bad Day (Un mal día de DLee), DLee’s Snow Day, DLee’s Shapely Imagination, and her newest release DLee’s Costume Extravaganza—celebrate curiosity, family, and self-expression while supporting early literacy development.

The main character, DLee, is inspired by Diana’s younger self—curious, creative, and full of imagination. DLee’s World reflects Diana’s own upbringing and her commitment to diversity, showing children that every culture, family, and experience deserves to be celebrated.

Now, through Storytime with DLee, Diana brings her stories and others’ to the screen, sharing bilingual read-alouds, sing-alongs, and literacy tips on community media television across New York City and New Jersey—and on her YouTube channel. Each episode invites children and families to laugh, learn, and believe in the power of their own voices.

“As a child who struggled with reading, I understand how important it is to make literacy fun, accessible, and full of heart. That’s what DLee’s World and Storytime with DLee are all about—creating joyful spaces where every child feels capable, confident, and seen.”