Jeanette Gil is an award-winning Cuban-American children’s book author, educator, doctoral candidate, and proud Abuela Gigi based in Miami. Inspired by family, culture, and storytelling, she is the author of Aloe Vera’s Special Gift and founder of Zun Zun Press, creating stories and learning experiences that nurture self-worth, resilience, literacy, and connection.

The inspiration for Aloe Vera’s Special Gift came from my own childhood experiences and the time I spent with my grandmother. Some of my fondest memories are of being in her garden, learning about plants, listening to stories, and absorbing life lessons that were often shared through everyday moments.

Award-winning children’s author, educator, learning experience designer, and doctoral candidate in Applied Learning Sciences, Jeanette Gil, shares the inspiration behind Aloe Vera’s Special Gift, a heart-centered picture book rooted in wellness, mindfulness, cultural storytelling, and intergenerational wisdom.

In this Featured KidLit Q&A, Jeanette reflects on the emotional heart behind the story, the importance of resilience and self-worth in children’s literature, and how families and educators can use stories to spark meaningful conversations with children.​​