LAS MUSAS BOOK BIRTHDAY - In the Groves

Today we celebrate the book birthday of In the Groves, by author-illustrator Andrea Cruz Floren. We sat down with Musa Andrea to learn more about the inspiration behind this book

In the Groves is 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.

Want to learn more about this sweet story? Read on after the link... 

What inspired you to become a writer?
My grandfather, who is one of the important characters in my debut book, inspired me to become a writer. I used to handwrite letters to him throughout my childhood and young adulthood. He would often tell me what a wonderful writer I was and that I should keep going. I have always loved words and writing and I think his encouragement stuck in the back of my head. I wish he could see what his support inspired. ​

What 3 words would you use to describe your book?
Belonging, Connection and Magic! 

How would you describe your main character? Why did you create your character that way?
My main character is named Clara. I took the name from one of my tías and loved the name because it refers to clarity. In the story I believe Clara sees clearly, she knows that the groves are special! And while her abuelo might think of them as a workaday place - Clara knows they are in fact a part of her roots. And while Clara isn’t sure where she fits into her family she is determined to find out, she’s enthusiastic, curious, and playful. She is also sentimental and proud.

Like Clara, I too lived far from my extended family and while it made me a bit sad as a little girl that I couldn’t see them whenever I wanted, I also believe it made me deeply appreciative of our roots, our history and our ancestors. I wanted to instill the same feelings in Clara.

Where did you get the idea to write this particular story?
This story was deeply inspired by my own lived experience. I am thrilled that my debut story hits me so personally. As a child I was in awe of my grandfather - he was a great teller of stories. He was a hard worker who always had a smile on his face and was quick to tell a joke. I adored him.

While on my journey to children’s books, I thought what better person to take inspiration from than the great family storyteller himself. I wanted to honor my abuelo, and touch on a side of history that is often overlooked, the workers in the fields/groves. How often do we think of where our food comes from? Who’s hands might have touched it and what might their stories be?

So often these are immigrant hands and immigrant stories. I was inspired to wrap my own story of finding belonging into the place where my roots began. If it wasn’t for the sacrifice and efforts of my ancestors who worked the land and came to California and continued to work the land - then I would not have had the opportunities to tell stories, so it only made sense I start with a part of my family’s story first. 

What message are you hoping readers will take away from this story?I hope this story will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place, whether in their family or in their country. I hope to shine a light on hardworking families who find ways to live joyfully even in struggle. I hope readers will consider stopping to honor their family stories and those who have come before them who may have made many sacrifices to pave the way for future generations. And I hope readers will enjoy the adventure, magic, and mischief as well! 

It sounds wonderful. Congratulations Andrea!​

Buy in the groves

Photo credit: Nicole Caldwell Photography

Andrea Cruz 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 lives in Colorado with her boys and her pets. Visit her at quietlyfiery.com.

Instagram: @quietlyfiery

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