Interview with author Hilda Torres

Please introduce yourself so that the readers will get to know you better.

My name is Hilda Torres. I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I Have lived in sunny South Florida my whole life. My family immigrated here in the late 60s when we fled communist Cuba. I studied English Literature at St. Thomas University and I’ve always had a passion for books and reading. I have a son who is 33 years old and has autism. Because of this my life took a different turn and I started teaching special needs children in elementary level. I was part of the first programs to integrate children with autism into our public schools. As my son got older I decided he needed me full time and dedicated myself to his care. I’ve tried over the years to raise autism awareness and understanding.

I wrote this book in order to give the autism community a different kind of voice. Something that teaches, brings understanding but is also fun and relatable.

What is your inspiration behind your book “Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo”?

My inspiration for my Tonio and Bear is my son. This book and the others in the series are all based on true events that have happened with my son. Bear is a true character in my sons life and decided I wanted to bring him to life.

When did you realize you want to be an author?

I have always loved books and loved to read. Things get complicated as our lives change but I use to read several books a week. It was my passion. I always thought, what would it be Iole to actually write one. But I never seriously considered it until the idea for this book came to me some years ago.

Please tell us something about your book “Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo”?

Tonio is our little hero. He loves to experience different adventures. But he has some setbacks. Sometimes his autism can make things challenging. He needs help in order to be able to have fun and go on these adventures. Someone who loves him, understands him and also understands and knows about autism. This is where Near comes in. Together they go on these great adventures and Bear is equipped to help Tonio be able to get past some difficult moments in order to have some great fun. The first book in the series is an adventure at the zoo. Let’s see what’s next for our little hero and his trusty companion.

For which age group is your book “Tonio and Bear’s Adventures: Day at the Zoo” suitable for?

I’m general it’s mostly for children between 5-8 years of age. But remember there are many older kids and adults on the spectrum who might really like this book.

What is your favorite Quote?

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

What do you like the most about your country?

I love my country. I was not born in the United States but I came here very young. My family and I fled communism and oppression. This country opened their doors to us and gave us freedom and opportunities that we could not have had anywhere else.

I became an American citizen as soon as I turned 18. I couldn’t wait to vote and be part of the process of this amazing country.
This country was founded on values and principles by men who knew what it was like to not have freedom of speech or religion. Our U.S. The Constitution is one of the most beautiful and important documents ever written.

What suggestion do you want to give to parents of little readers regarding a reading habit?

It is so important to teach our children to read. We can start while they are still in the womb. Then we should continue to read to them as infants and let them grow up knowing that books are part of their lives. They will want you to read to them and eventually want to read for themselves and to acquire knowledge. If you read to your children from a very early age they will develop better language skills and do much better in school.

What does literary success look like to you?

If this series of books can help families who are struggling with the overwhelming challenges of autism then my book is a success. If just a few families can say this book made a difference, not just because my child liked it but also because his/her piers liked it or maybe people they know have a better understanding of autism after reading it, that’s success. If teachers and therapists can use it to help their special needs kids, that’s success.

Lastly, who is your inspiration in life and why?

Well first and always, my inspiration is Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, he inspires me to be better to stay strong to try and help others. He gives me strength thru the suffering and shows me mercy and light in the daily miracles.

My son inspired me to do this book and his struggles in life have been so difficult. He makes me and all who know him better human beings.

My daughter inspires me. She has dedicated herself to helping children find their voice. She is an amazing Speech and Language pathologist, SLP. The dedication she has to her clients and students is beautiful. She’s making a difference.

Buy Tonio and Bear’s Adventures on Amazon