The Bilingual Book Buddies Podcast Talking About Creative Process and More with Alexandra Alessandri
May 14, 2025
Join award-winning Colombian-American author Alexandra Alessandri as she shares her creative journey in writing bilingual children's literature. She reflects on her late start in writing and the familial roots of storytelling. Alexandra discusses how her Colombian heritage shapes her work and emphasizes the importance of connecting universal emotions with cultural details. Plus, she offers insights on using Spanglish in drafts, the challenges of promoting bilingual books, and her upcoming mother-daughter book, Fly Pajarito Fly, that explores social-emotional themes.
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Writing As Cultural Rediscovery
- Writing from heritage helps Alexandra rediscover Colombia and reclaim cultural pride after earlier distancing.
- She consciously highlights joyful and positive Colombian stories to counter stereotypes and stigma.
Universal Emotion Anchors Culture
- She weaves cultural specifics by centering universal emotions (fear, worry, excitement) so all readers connect.
- The cultural details then become accessible anchors for broader empathy.
Editor Suggested Full Bilingual Format
- Alexandra's editor proposed publishing Isabel and Her Colores Go to School with full Spanish text, and asked Alexandra to translate it.
- She welcomed the choice because bilingual format aids classroom use and flexible reading styles.
