Author interview with Xiomara Gallego-Bernard, author of Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House/Tomás Va a la Casa de Oliver

Xiomara Gallego-Bernard, author of Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House/Tomás Va a la Casa de Oliver

Author interview by Britain Powers

How would you describe Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House/Tomás va a la casa de Oliver in a few sentences?  

Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House / Tomás va a la casa de Oliver follows Tomás, a highly sensitive boy, as he navigates his first playdate without his mamá. When unexpected moments bring on big emotions, he must figure out how to manage his feelings on his own. Along the way, he learns to express himself, ask his friend Oliver for help, and discover that leaning on friends can turn challenges into moments of growth. It’s a story of resilience that I hope will inspire every child to be brave and strong.

Why did you choose this personality trait to write about?

I chose to write about the personality trait because it is close to my heart. As both a highly sensitive parent and the mother of a highly sensitive child, I wanted families to know this trait (often misunderstood), is truly a strength and a beautiful gift. My book was created with the intention of helping families understand and celebrate this trait, offering insight into how sensitive children can thrive when given a safe and supportive space.

What was your research process like when you began writing about a highly sensitive child? 

I’ll be honest, the research process was messy. I didn’t know much about the trait at first, but I knew I needed to find a way to not only help my son but also support our family dynamic, which was beginning to feel the effects of the emotional roller coaster he and I were on. I would wake up earlier than anyone else in the house, hop on the laptop or grab a book, and start absorbing everything I could. It was a long and emotional journey, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. It was exactly what I needed to go through to create this story.

Did you explore the psychology of highly sensitive children (HSCs) before you started writing?

Yes, before I started writing, I explored the psychology of a highly sensitive child. I was doing research to understand what was going on with my son, learning about his heightened awareness, depth of processing, sensory sensitivity, and creative nature. The more I researched, the more I realized how often this trait is misunderstood and I wanted to create a story that would not only reflect my son’s experience but also help other families see the strengths and beauty in highly sensitive children.

Was there anything surprising you learned through your research?

Through my research I discovered that I am also highly sensitive. This realization helped me make sense of so many childhood moments when I felt overwhelmed or overstimulated. This understanding has allowed me to navigate my journey with my son in a more empathetic and thoughtful way. I was also surprised to learn that recent studies suggest nearly 30% of the population may be highly sensitive.

Since this is the second book in the series, did writing about Tomás and his sensitivity feel more natural or come more easily this time around?  

Yes, writing about Tomás this time around felt natural, but it was not easy. I wanted this story to feel like a true continuation of the first book, where readers first meet Tomás. In the sequel, my hope was to invite readers into another part of his life, one where he faces big emotions and learns to grow stronger through the support he receives from his best friend Oliver. Most of all, I wanted to make sure that the children reading could see themselves in Tomás and feel encouraged in their own journeys.

Did you always know that you wanted Tomás’ story to continue after the first book?  

I knew I wanted Tomás’ story to continue after the first book.  As a Latina and a highly sensitive person, I grew up in an environment where emotional health was never discussed. Without a safe space to express what I was feeling I often kept my emotions inside. Through these stories, my hope is to not only raise awareness but also provide families with insight into the power of open communication and the importance of honoring our children’s emotions with kindness, empathy, and understanding.

How is this book different from the first in the way the situations and characters interact with Tomás’ sensitivity? 

In the first book, Tomás Returns to School (Tomás regresa a la escuela), the story focuses on Tomás learning to manage big emotions as he prepares for the first day of school in a familiar environment. Mamá is there to guide him and work through strategies and tools alongside him. In Tomás Goes to Oliver’s House (Tomás va a la casa de Oliver), the dynamic changes. Tomás navigates a playdate on his own, relying on his best friend Oliver rather than parental guidance. The second book highlights Tomás’ growing independence and shows how sensitive children can confidently express their emotions outside the family setting, most importantly emphasizing that sensitivity is a strength, not a weakness.

Can readers expect to see more of Tomás and his friends in future books? Will this story continue as an ongoing series?

Yes, readers can expect to see more of Tomás and his friends in future books. I am excited to introduce new characters along the way. This story will continue as an ongoing series full of adventures and where readers will learn even more about Tomás and see how he navigates his journey with empathy, kindness, and resilience.

Would you consider following another child or character with a different personality trait for future books? It seems like there’s potential for a whole world of interconnectedcharacters who represent unique traits.

Currently, my focus is on Tomás and his journey, so I’m not certain about introducing another character with a specific personality trait just yet. That said, we can already see glimpses of different traits in the story, and I do see the potential for building a world of interconnected characters, each representing unique traits. I also believe there’s a real need for this type of literature, so it’s something I’d love to explore in the future.

 How do you think the story benefits children who may be highly sensitive? Is it important to you to provide representation and understanding of a personality trait that might otherwise go unnoticed?

The book was written with highly sensitive children in mind, but I feel it can benefit any child. Highly sensitive children can see themselves in Tomás and understand that feeling deeply is a strength. Through Tomás’ journey, they can learn ways to navigate big feelings and build confidence. As someone whose highly sensitive trait was overlooked as a child, I know how isolating it can feel when your emotions aren’t understood. Writing about Tomás allows me to provide representation for children who feel deeply, while encouraging them to honor their sensitivity.

You include a valuable set of resources for both parents and children at the end of the story. What was the process of gathering these resources like, and what do you hope they will offer to families?

Gathering the resources for the book was quite fun. I simply took the things my children and I were implementing at home, activities that were fun, educational, and purposeful, and started jotting them down. The books we were reading, the games we were playing, and the conversations we were having all became part of a list of resources that I hoped might support other families on their own journeys.

What is your advice to parents who have highly sensitive children?

My advice for parents of highly sensitive children is to first take the time to learn as much as they can about this personality trait. Knowledge is power, and when we as parents/caregivers understand what it means to be sensitive, we can begin implementing tools and strategies to help our children manage their big feelings. It’s also important to remember that sensitivity is a gift.  When we start seeing it that way, everything changes.

While reading the story, I realized I might be a highly sensitive person myself. What advice would you give to parents, or to readers in general, who also identify as highly sensitive? 

My advice would be to first be gentle and kind with yourself, and to honor every emotion with an open heart. I also believe it’s important to set aside time to focus on strengthening your mental and emotional health. Perhaps through exercise, meditation, breathwork, or mindful moments. Reading books specifically for highly sensitive individuals can also be incredibly helpful. If you are a parent, consider incorporating some of the strategies we teach our children into your own daily routines. I think these things can really help you navigate your sensitivity while modeling healthy habits for your children.

Have you heard from parents or children who connected with Tomás’ story? How have their responses impacted you?

Yes, I have heard from many parents and caregivers who have connected with Tomás’ story. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with parents describing the book as an invaluable resource for both children and adults. I feel incredibly humbled and blessed by this response, which reinforces the reason I wrote the story in the first place. It’s deeply rewarding to know that Tomás’ journey is making a meaningful difference in the lives of families everywhere.

Did the writing process teach you anything about yourself?

The writing process taught me discipline, confidence, and trust. As a mom of three, carving out time to write wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. Some days it was just a few minutes; other days I may have had a full hour. No matter what, I poured my heart into the journey because I truly believed the message mattered. With my debut book, I had no prior knowledge of how to bring my vision to life. I had to reflect on my purpose, why I was writing this story and the potential it had to help others. I had to learn to be confident in what I was creating and to trust the process. Ultimately, that trust is what kept me moving forward and brought these books to life.

What do you hope readers take away most from the newest chapter in Tomás’ story?

I hope readers walk away feeling proud of their sensitivity and see it as a gift that allows them to connect deeply with the others and the world.  I hope that through Tomás’ journey, children can begin to understand that communication is a beautiful thing and that asking for support does not make them weak. It is a sign of strength. I hope readers also develop empathy for others and themselves and learn that with patience reflection and kindness they can work through difficult moments and in turn, help others navigate their own emotions.  I hope readers fall in love with Tomás’ character the way I did while creating him.