Thank you, Marta for this interview. How would you present your picture book Polvorones to the audience? Tell us about it.
When I present the book to an audience, I always ask, what do you think the story is about? Then, I talk about the cover and get comments from the audience. Finally, I ask if they have ever had a problem getting someone to listen to them.
In Polvorones, you will meet Rosita. She has a strong desire to do a special dessert for mamá. She wants the help of her siblings very much. They, however, are doing something else. They hardly listen when she tells them about these special cookies, Polvorones. In English, they are Mexican Wedding Cookies. En español son polvorones.
How did you come with the idea for Polvorones?
I never knew the meaning of the word polvorones until I was a grownup. I wanted to know more about this delicious dessert and share it with children of all ages. I wanted to write a story about Rosita who was excited to get her siblings to help her prepare polvorones and to surprise mamá with this special recipe. My mamá never made polvorones but she baked plain breads like semitas and gordas de horno. Tía Regina taught mamá how to cook. She was an expert baker and businesswoman. I also wanted to use the theme of Little Red Hen in Rosita’s story. The Little Red Hen is always asking for help just like Rosita.
Is this story based on a real-life experience?
I do not have childhood memories of Polvorones. My mamá made many foods both sweet and savory. She daily made delicious flour tortillas for our dinner. When we visited our Mexican hometown San Luis del Cordero, Durango, we got much culture, especially related to food. Tía Regina had outdoor earthen ovens. She baked and sold bread in the town. Delicious!
Mamá helped her a little, but she mostly took care of my sisters and me.
How was the process from manuscript to publication for Polvorones?
I wrote a message and request to BABIDIBUlibros.com last October 2021. They responded a few weeks later. The process grew smoothly after I signed the contract. The publisher is in Sevilla, Spain. I had the pleasure of selecting from several potential illustrators after they agreed to publish my story. This was very exciting for me. I decided to go with Isa Medina. I really liked her beautiful art samples.
How are your readers reacting with the book?
My readers are reacting positively and with understanding. They can relate to Rosita’s problem. The children with older brothers and sisters have commented about times they didn’t listen to their older siblings. Some kids asked, “where is the father?” I told them that he’s not home yet. On the other drafts, I was going to put a papá in the story. And on another draft, I was putting abuela as Rosita’s next door neighbor. I finally went with the burning cookies to get the little siblings to come help Rosita. I look forward to seeing reviews by readers who buy the book. Just to know! I value readers’ support and opinions.
What are your final words for our readers at La Bloga?
I am grateful to have this opportunity to share this children’s story, Polvorones, with La Bloga. I want to tell all blogueros to continue encouraging your children to read and love reading. A single trip to the library can become many trips to the library. My daughters keep books on the bedroom shelf for their kiddies, our grandkids. Reading is a mighty power that can help your child love life!
Thanks for this great support, René! You are a strong role model for literacy and community unity.
Marta Arroyo graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, majoring in Spanish Literature. She taught elementary education for thirty years, primarily in the Carlsbad Unified School District. Since her retirement, Marta has written two bilingual children's books, La Fiesta y el Mariachi, (2007), and The Story of Señora Tamales (2010). She published Jorge and the Lost Cookie Jar with Dayton Publishing (2017) and Jorge y el Jarro de Galletas Perdido, (2018).
Marta lives in the city of Oceanside, California, with her husband Juan, the love of her life. Her passion is playing with her grandchildren. She also cooks with great contentment for her family. She enjoys making flour tortillas and Mexican Wedding cookies. Sometimes her young grandkids help.
In addition to her writing, Marta finds joy in simple activities like taking photos of her family and the flowers in the garden. Most important she promotes the importance of reading for children of all ages.
