Latina author Xiomara Gallego-Bernard gets children. She understands how to communicate strong emotions in a way that they can feel seen. And she proves it with her two self-published books, Tomás Returns to School and Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House, which are available in stores today. Both books are also available in Spanish.

Though many of us become great communicators as adults, it’s a whole other ball game when it comes to communicating with children. That’s why authors like Gallego-Bernard are important to be recognized and read. With Tomás Returns to School and Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House, the author, with Colombian and Puerto Rican roots, becomes a channel to understand children in a different, more meaningful perspective.

Inspired by her highly sensitive son, Gallego-Bernard created these two stories – with a new one on the way – to help parents understand children’s big emotions. To get more insight into her writing process, Modern Muze talked to the talented author about the creation behind the two stories, her mission as a Latina author, and what’s coming next.

What inspired Tomás Returns to School and Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House?

Tomás Returns to School and Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House were inspired by my son, who is highly sensitive. For those who may not know, being highly sensitive is a personality trait, not a diagnosis or disorder. Through extensive research, I discovered that my son was born with the gift of sensitivity. Around age two and a half, he could become easily overwhelmed and overstimulated, which could lead to meltdowns, but also revealed an enormous amount of creativity and empathy. 

Our journey together and learning to embrace the beautiful sensitivity we both share, sparked the true heart of this series. I wanted to capture moments that can feel big to a child, especially to those who experience the world intensely. Whether it’s the first day of school or visiting a friend’s house, these experiences can be overwhelming, and the way we support children during these moments is crucial to their emotional well-being. I hope that children who share this trait can see themselves reflected in the pages of the books and, just like Tomás, celebrate their incredible strength that brings empathy and kindness into the world. 

I’ve included an interactive guide at the end of each book with tips, resources and fun activities to help families who are just beginning to explore what it means to be highly sensitive. 

What helps you convey messages of resilience, courage, and sensitivity to children? 

What helps me convey messages of resilience, courage, and sensitivity to children is creating characters they can truly connect with. I try to show that even when we feel scared or overwhelmed, we can still find ways to move forward. Through my storytelling and illustrations, I aim to validate children’s emotions while reminding them that courage isn’t about never being afraid, but about taking small, brave steps. My goal is to help children and their parents or caregivers see sensitivity as a gift, and to show that with the right support, children can grow into resilient, compassionate individuals.

As a children’s author, what do you think is the most important thing when writing a children’s book? 

I think the most important thing when writing a children’s book is connection. Creating characters that are relatable so children can see themselves and feel understood and valued.  My goal as a children’s book author is to continue creating stories that help children explore their own emotions while also leaving them with meaningful lessons they can carry into their everyday lives. 

Why is it important to showcase each book in both English and Spanish?

As a Latina, it is important to showcase each book in both English and Spanish because I am and will always be proud of my Colombian and Puerto Rican heritage. Growing up in a Latino household, emotional health was rarely discussed, so with these stories, I aim to open lines of communication and create safe spaces for sensitive children to express their feelings with their loved ones. I am also a strong supporter of bilingual literacy and want to make sure these stories are accessible to as many children and families as possible. Books like these allow children to see themselves and their culture reflected in literature, helping them connect to the stories in a deeper, more meaningful way.  

Are there any challenges you’ve experienced as a Latina author in the publishing industry?

I haven’t faced challenges specifically because I’m a Latina author. However, being self-published comes with its own hurdles. It can be difficult to get stories into larger bookstores or libraries, and marketing relies heavily on your own efforts. Still, the message about sensitivity being a gift and a superpower is why the reviews have been so positive, and why Tomás Returns to School / Tomás regresa a la escuela has become an award-winning book. It motivates me to work hard and keep sharing our sensitive journey through Tomás. 

Are you currently working on a third installment?

Yes, I am currently working on the third installment of the series. These books are truly written from the heart, and the stories I share through Tomás reflect pieces of our own journey. My hope is that the themes of empathy, kindness, and resilience resonate with many children, especially within our community, and remind them that their feelings and experiences matter.

What is your advice to Latinas who want to become authors? 

My advice to Latinas who want to become authors is to first and foremost believe in your story. Trust the process, even when it feels challenging, because the journey will not always be easy. Remember that your voice matters, and it has the power to make an enormous impact on someone who needs to hear it. 

Anything else you’d like to add for our audience at Modern Muze?

As a Latina author and mom of three, I hope my stories will encourage conversations with children about feelings, empathy, and resilience. Emotional health is so important, especially for our children. And if my books can help open those doors, I am incredibly grateful. 

To all my Mamás who think they can’t fulfill a dream because they have kids, I am here to say: YOU CAN! What better gift can you give your children than to show them that anything is possible when you honor that fire burning within you? Take a few minutes each day to work on that dream, and I promise it will happen.