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Alma Flor Ada

When Alma Flor Ada was growing up in Cuba, she would spend hours outdoors observing nature. She lived next to a river and enjoyed watching cranes, tadpoles, dragonflies, and more. She also enjoyed reading a book while nestled in the branches of a large tree. Now her greatest joy is writing books for children. Some of her many, many books include I Love Saturdays y domingos, The Gold Coin, and Yours Truly, Goldilocks. 

These are a few of Alma Flor's favorite things:

Favorite book as a child

One of my favorites was Heidi, the first book I read. She was like me, a child who loved the outdoors. My tropical landscape was very different from her Alpine meadows (I grew up in Cuba). Yet, our love for the land was the same.

Favorite letter or word

I love nicely sounding words like sonatina (sonata) and malaquita (green mineral), but if I had to choose one word it would be solidarity. That word brings such a warm feeling to my heart.

Favorite number

For a long time 18 was one of my favorite numbers, for no reason. Then I was fortunate to have a son who was born on July 18!

Favorite color

The natural rainbow. I love how the colors fuse into each other so that it’s impossible to determine where one color ends and the next begins. It makes me think of “unity in diversity,” which is an important motto for me.

Favorite shape

A star. As a child, I was proud when I first learned to draw a star. It made me feel closer to the stars I loved to watch at night with my father.

Favorite body part

One of my favorites is my eyes because they allow me to see and read.

Favorite person (dead or alive)

My grandmother Dolores Salvador. She was a poet, writer, teacher, and speaker who taught me to love words, to love learning, and to respect every human being. She was a strong woman with strong opinions, but at the same time she was gentle, caring and fun.

Favorite food

I love tropical fruits like mango, guava, chirimoya, tamarindo, mamey, and fresh coconut. They remind me of the joys of my childhood.

Favorite place

The shade of a large tree. Trees have been special friends all my life. They are solid and firm, demand nothing, and give us so much.  Plus, when I touch their trunk I can feel their energy.

Favorite animal (existing or extinct)

Whales and dolphins. They are intelligent, loyal, peaceful and graceful. Seeing them always bring me deep joy.

Favorite hobby/fun thing to do

I love to read. I also enjoy swimming in lakes, rivers, and the ocean.

Favorite time of day

Sunset. I love its colors and used to watch it with my grandmother on the porch of the house where I was born.

Favorite aspect of your Hispanic heritage

The appreciation for family and family heritage. Being told many stories of my own ancestors, and knowing that I come from a long line of people, makes me feel part of the wider human history.

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