Aloe Vera’s Special Gift centers around an aloe plant who discovers that the very thing that makes her feel so plain is what allows her to care for others. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

The inspiration for Aloe Vera’s Special Gift came from my own childhood experiences and the time I spent with my grandmother. Some of my fondest memories are of being in her garden, learning about plants, listening to stories, and absorbing life lessons that were often shared through everyday moments.

Aloe vera was always present in our Cuban household. It wasn’t the showiest plant in the garden, but it was often the one we turned to when someone needed comfort, care, or healing. As I reflected on those memories, I realized aloe carried a powerful message about self-worth and resilience.

The story is also rooted in the idea of intergenerational learning—how wisdom, values, traditions, and stories are passed from one generation to the next. What began as memories of my grandmother eventually became a story I wanted to share with my own grandchildren and with children everywhere.

As an educator, I have seen how social-emotional learning helps children develop confidence, empathy, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of belonging. Through Aloe’s journey, I wanted children to understand that what makes them different may actually become their greatest strength and that they already have something valuable to offer the world.

The book explores feeling overshadowed by others. Why was this an important theme for you to address?

I think many children grow up feeling overshadowed at some point. Maybe they are quieter, more sensitive, more creative, or simply different from those around them. Adults experience this too. We live in a world that often celebrates being the loudest or the most visible, and it can make people question their worth.

I wanted children to understand early on that they do not have to become someone else to matter. Their uniqueness already has purpose.

Like many people, I have experienced moments of self-doubt and comparison. Over time, I learned that our differences are often where our greatest strengths live. That realization deeply influenced this story and the journey Aloe takes throughout the book.

My hope is that children walk away feeling seen and understood, while parents and caregivers are reminded of how powerful encouragement can be.

Are there any books or authors that influenced your writing style?

Some of my greatest inspirations comes from the storytellers in my own family, especially my grandmother. Growing up in a Cuban family, stories were woven into everyday life and often carried lessons about resilience, kindness, culture, and family. Those experiences shaped my love of storytelling and continue to influence my writing today.

I also draw inspiration from my background as an educator and my belief that stories can help children better understand themselves and the world around them. I am especially drawn to stories that create opportunities for connection, reflection, and meaningful conversations between children and the adults who care for them.

What kinds of conversations do you hope this book sparks between children and parents?

I hope Aloe Vera’s Special Gift opens conversations about self-worth, kindness, empathy, and the idea that everyone has something valuable to offer.

I would love for children to feel comfortable talking about moments when they feel left out, different, insecure, or unnoticed. Sometimes children do not yet have the language to express those feelings, and stories can help create a safe doorway into those conversations.

For parents and caregivers, I hope the book becomes an opportunity to remind children that who they are is already enough. I also hope it encourages families to talk about emotional healing, inner strengths, cultural traditions, and the importance of caring for others and ourselves.

At its heart, this story is about discovering that our special gift often lives inside the very thing that makes us unique.

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