Author Interview | Meet Silvia Lopez, Cuban-American Children's Book Author and Former Librarian

Silvia is a Cuban-American Children's Book author. After coming to the US (Miami) when she was 10, Silvia not only learned English, but became a children's librarian for 35 years. Now retired, she shares her love of kids and books through writing engaging children's books that portray Latine heritage and well-known Latina women!

Silvia loves writing all kinds of stories--serious and funny, retelling old tales, fantastical tales, and about real people! Many of her books are written in Spanish as well or both English and Spanish. Ultimately, Silvia uses the imagination she developed as an only child in a big house in Cuba to write amazing stories for today's children. 

On February 3rd, 2026, we are celebrating World Read Aloud Day with a virtual Bedtime Stories event at 6:30pm EST. Silvia will be reading aloud her book, Pacho Nacho! Sign up here for the Google Meet link to join us. 

Keep reading to learn more about Silvia and her books:

What inspired you to become a writer?

I was an only child and used my imagination to entertain myself. I loved to read and make
up stories (and doodle, though I’m not an artist). Then I came to the United States and
discovered public libraries. I studied to be an English teacher, but decided I wanted to be in the library better. After spending 35 wonderful years as a children’s librarian, when it came time to retire, I realized I knew 2 things best: kids and books. So, I began putting to paper (or computer) all the stories that had been whirling around in my mind for years. I began trying to get published and was fortunate that it took off.

What is your cultural background/heritage?

I am Cuban-American. I came to the US at the age of 10 not knowing a word of English and ironically ended up becoming an English major.

What are you currently reading or what is one of your favorite books?

I listen to audiobooks all the time. It’s a way of keeping up with adult fiction and some non-fiction. I love mysteries (I’m almost embarrassed to say I like cozy mysteries because they’re soothing), but my favorite author is actually Alexander McCall Smith. In children’s picture books, there are so many! I love Chris Van Allsburg, Patricia Polacco, and some of the newer ones too. As co-host of Bilingual Book Buddies, I’ve had the chance to interview some great younger authors/illustrators like Alexandra Alessandri and Duncan Tonatiuh.

What are your hobbies or something you enjoy doing for fun/relaxation?

I try to swim and do pool aerobics as much as possible. I love to mentor and do so for Las
Musas and We Need Diverse Books, as well as independently. I enjoy heading the Miami
Critique Group for picture books. And I wish I had more time to write, write, write.

What inspired your work, Pacho Nacho?

I used to read the book Tikki Tikki Tembo to the kids at school but they found it a little hard, so I adlib it and tell it in my own words. One day I found out that this story about a boy with too long a name, which had actually been taken from the Japanese tradition, was told in other parts of the world but not in Latin America. So, I decided to set the story in Mexico, use Spanish names (nicknames, actually), and make it bilingual.

Anything else you'd like to share about yourself?

In my profession, no one ever recalls when I taught them the Dewey Decimal System or how to put together a bibliography. But when I bump into former students, they usually
remember the times when I used to read aloud or just story-tell. It was my favorite thing to
do in the library and what I missed more after I retired. So, now that I have my own books, I love to be able to share them with children in person or online. Watching them learn or giggle or both always boosts my spirit and makes me want to keep writing!

Thank you Silvia for doing this interview with Tuma's Books and sharing your wonderful stories with the world. You can purchase Silvia books, including preordering her upcoming release, Please Pass the Tamales!, from our Bookshop.org page.