Q&A with Alda P. Dobbs

 

 

 

Alda P. Dobbs is the author of the new children's picture book The Giving Flower: The Story of the Poinsettia. Her other books include The Other Side of the River. She lives near Madrid, Spain. 

 

Q: What inspired you to write The Giving Flower?

 

A: I’d always been curious about the origins of the poinsettia. I knew it came from Mexico, but I didn’t realize the depth of its history.

 

One mid-December afternoon, while waiting in the car rider line, I noticed a poinsettia sitting beside me. Its bold colors intrigued me and sparked a desire to learn more.

 

When I discovered that the Aztecs—the ancient Nahuas—were the first to cultivate and value the flower, I knew I had to dig deeper and share its story.

 

Q: What do you think are some of the most common perceptions and misconceptions about the poinsettia?

 

A: A common misconception is that poinsettias are poisonous—but that’s a myth. In fact, the ancient Nahuas used the plant for medicinal purposes. I think its vivid, almost fiery colors may have led to the idea that it was dangerous. Of course, I still wouldn’t advise anyone to eat it!

 

Q: What role do you see the poinsettia playing in U.S.–Mexican relations over the years?

 

A: The poinsettia is one of several symbols that beautifully connect the U.S. and Mexico—much like the monarch butterfly. My hope is that young readers recognize these natural connections and realize how close the two countries are, and how much can be accomplished when they work together.

 

Q: What do you think Emily Mendoza’s illustrations add to the book?

 

A: Emily did an incredible job of capturing the spirit of the poinsettia with her use of bold colors and her depictions of the vibrant landscapes of Guerrero, Mexico.

 

I’d also like to give a shout-out to the Sourcebooks art department, whose thoughtful design choices added even more depth and richness to the illustrations and overall storytelling.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: I’m currently working on a middle-grade historical novel set in the 1980s during the era of the Amnesty Act. The story explores themes of grief, loss, and the power of community.

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: I had the honor of translating The Giving Flower into Spanish – La Flor Generosa. The work turned out to be more challenging than I anticipated, but in the end, I feel I love and appreciate the Spanish version more so.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb. Here's a previous Q&A with Alda P. Dobbs.