Today we are very excited to share an interview with author Andrea Cruz Floren!
Read on to learn more about the author, the book, and a giveaway!
Meet the Author: Andrea Cruz Floren
Andrea Floren grew up in South Dakota, far from her California family. Her grandfather, who tended the orange groves, had a gift for storytelling. He encouraged Andrea to keep writing; she hopes to honor his memory with this debut book. Andrea currently lives in Colorado with her family. Visit her at quietlyfiery.com
About the Book: In The Groves
From debut author-illustrator Andrea Cruz Floren comes a whimsical Spanglish picture book about finding belonging in an unlikely place.
Clara visits her abuelo and many, many cousins in California every year. And every year, her family tells tall tales about her abuelo’s orange groves: There’s magic! There’s mischief! There’s monstruos! But Clara’s never been to the orange groves. And she’s determined to change that.
So when her cousins aren’t looking, Clara sneaks into her abuelo’s truck and makes her way to the orange groves. Once Abuelo spots her, he and Clara have a wondrous time serenading oranges, bravely defending the groves against gophers, and eating some delicious tacos with—WHEW—just a little bit of spice.
Soon, Clara has magical tall tales to tell of her own. For she’s no longer just a visitor: She belongs to the groves, and the groves belong to her.
~Author Chat~
YABC: What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
In The Groves was very much inspired by my own lived experience. I have a lot in common with Clara, my main character. I too grew up far away from most of my Mexican-American family. Between my grandfather, great-grandfather, and other family members our familia worked in the orange groves for 80 years! As a child, I longed to visit the groves, but was sadly never able to go. I get to live out my dream in this book.
YABC: Who is your favorite character in the book?
Clara! She is spunky and energetic, but also loving and deeply thoughtful.
YABC: What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
Oh this is a tough one because I love many of the special moments throughout the book. I think artistically I am most proud of the scene where Clara turns into a fire-breathing alebrije and also the dancing scene with Abuelo. These spreads are big emotional moments in the story and visually complex. It was a fun challenge!
YABC: What came first, the concept, landscape, characters, or something else?
First was the seed of an idea: How could I honor the hard work of my family, my ancestors, and my grandfather. My abuelo meant a lot to me, he was a hard worker, a great storyteller, and a joyful person. To me he was magical. I had never seen a story about the orange groves or the people who worked in it, and I wanted to share a little slice of our piece of history from the groves and create a platform to celebrate the many immigrants and marginalized people who worked in these groves.
YABC: If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Oh boy this is tough too! I currently only write picture books, but I would love to branch out into other kid lit genres one day. Maybe I would pick shorter graphic novels – that way I could still draw but have a bit more space to explore the story!
YABC: How do you keep your ‘voice’ true to the age category you are writing within?
I think this is an ongoing journey. Even though I inhabit a grownup body, I often still feel like little 7 year old me. I try to keep her in the forefront of my mind as I write. While little me was young and had a lot of life to experience, she also was a very thoughtful, introspective little girl, curious and playful with lots of big ideas. Young children are capable of complex thoughts, and I strive to write in a way that captivates and challenges our young readers while still leaving space for plenty of adventure.
YABC: What can readers expect to find in your books?
Colorful, quirky, lovable characters. Misfits. Magic. Joy. Warmth. Playfulness. Mischievousness. Love.
YABC: What is your favorite snack when writing?
I try not to snack too much but when I do it might be dried mangoes, a piece of fruit or something crunchy like popcorn or chips.
YABC: If you were able to meet them, would you be friends with your main character?
Yes! And in many ways I have met Clara and Abuelo and the rest of the family. They are inspired by bits and pieces of many of my own family and friends.
YABC: What’s your least favorite word or expression and why?
Nothing comes to mind right away, but I will say some of my favorite Spanish expressions are included in my book and it was so fun to see them come alive on the page as if my grandparents were right there with me.
YABC: What do you do when you procrastinate?
Ha! I am a master procrastinator. I listen to music, dance, find something that I think needs cleaning or organizing. Imagine a million other little tasks that MUST BE DONE, when they really can wait.
YABC: What fandom would you write for if you had time?
I am currently watching Emily in Paris on Netflix, it’s so light and airy and fun. Sometimes you need that too. It would be fun to see it turned into a YA adventure, maybe a Parisian summer abroad journey for a young high school student full of adventures, mishaps and discoveries of the self.
YABC: What’s up next for you?
Working on my second book! Wish me luck!
YABC: What is your favorite holiday or tradition and why?
Día de Los Muertos – I love the symbolism, the creation of the ofrenda that honors ancestors and beloved family. I love cooking some of my abuelo’s favorite foods and inviting him to visit us. I feel so close to my ancestors during this time. It is a warm, introspective holiday, but also celebratory, lively, and joyful!
YABC: Is there anything that you would like to add?
Thanks for the opportunity! And I hope you all check out In The Groves!
Title: IN THE GROVES
Author: Andrea Cruz Floren
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
ISBN-10: 059366261X
ISBN-13: 9780593662618
Genre: Picture Book
Age Range: 4-8
~ Giveaway Details ~
Three (3) winners will receive a copy of In The Groves (Andrea Cruz Floren) ~US Only!
*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*
