Write what you know is advice that Candelaria Norma Silva takes seriously. She’s long drawn inspiration from her children and grandchildren; many of her young relatives now demand to know when it’ll be their turn to star in one of her stories. Her latest picture book, Jump! Jump! Jump! Stacey, illustrated by Justin Aquidado, follows a young Black girl who’s far too busy to take her afternoon nap; she’s busy dancing, skipping, and, of course, jumping. The book was selected as one of Kirkus’ Best Indie Books of 2025; Silva told us more by email.

What was the original idea, character, or scene that started you working on the book?

My granddaughter, Saige, and her Uncle Cy, when he was a toddler and preschooler, always tried to negotiate nap times. Amber, Saige’s mother, worked from home for many years and so, through personal experience as a young mother, observations as a grandmother, and my imagination, I wrote this and two other books featuring Stacey.

Where and when did you write the book?

I wrote the book in one of the many notebooks I carry with me and then would type it in my office on the second floor of my colonial house in Boston. Saige came for summer visits for two to four weeks from the time she was 3, so I’d notice the things she would do. Photos of her were prominently displayed in my office, so I could feel her joy surrounding me as I wrote.

Why was Stacey such a significant name?

In the first drafts, the character was named Tracy. I woke up one morning with the realization that if I changed the name to Stacey, I could say hello to my children and two of my grandchildren.: S for Saige, T for Tommie, A for Amber, C for Cy, E for Everyone, and Y for You, Too (the other grandchildren). I am also an admirer of Stacey Abrams and have a friend named Stacey who I lost touch with over many years. I’ve dedicated the book to them as well.

Your first book, Stacey Became a Frog One Day, follows the same character. What other adventures are in store for Stacey?

I’ve published a third book as well, What’s the Baby’s Name, Stacey? Her mom is pregnant in Jump. In that book, Stacey wants to announce her brother’s four names at the family gathering but has been so busy jumping, imagining, and playing that she forgets it. As she walks around to hear his name for her relatives, everyone calls him pet names, not his “real” name. Her uncle helps her figure it out.

I have several more manuscripts I’m working on that are inspired by my grandson, Tommie, and I’m working on a chapter book inspired by my youngest granddaughter, Molly.

Once you feature one grandchild, they all clamor to have a character named after them. All my grandchildren and my two children will have books rooted in something true about them or a character named after them.

What was most challenging about writing this book? And most rewarding?

Jump was written, edited, illustrated, and brought to print during several months of Covid-19 lockdown and uncertainty. I wondered when libraries, schools, and other community organizations would open again so that I could share the books with children in person. The world did open up, and we all learned, rapidly, to keep in touch via Zoom.

I’m delighted when parents and educators share how much their children like the Stacey books and send photos of them reading it. I also find it immensely rewarding, fun, and nerve-wracking to do storytimes and author visits.

Mahnaz Dar is a young readers’ editor.