Irma Linda Hersel, the daughter of Mexican immigrants and a first-generation U.S. citizen, has successfully blended her cultural heritage with her background in art and her passion for storytelling. Where Nopalitos Grow is not just a literary work but an educational tool that encourages young readers to reflect on their identity, culture, and family legacy, demonstrating that, like the nopal cactus, cultural roots can grow and thrive anywhere.
The bilingual book follows the story of Roberto, a young boy who travels to Mexico to visit his grandmother, immersing himself in a world of colors, traditions, and foods that connect him to his family’s history. Through his journey, Roberto discovers that nopales—cacti his family takes care of—are more than just plants: they symbolize the connection between generations, a deep bond between the past and the present.
Hersel’s work invites children not only to explore their own cultural identities but also to embrace family traditions and the importance of keeping those roots alive. The inspiration for Where Nopalitos Grow comes from Hersel’s childhood in Holland, Michigan, a place known for its Dutch culture, where flowers and traditional Dutch clothing were the norm. However, it was the nopal cactus in her family’s garden that stood out, a symbol of her Mexican heritage.
“I grew up in a city known for its Dutch culture, but at home, we always had nopales in our garden. My sister and I played near them and learned how to take care of them. Those moments really marked me,” Hersel recalls, reflecting on her childhood memories with her family and grandparents.
These memories of a garden full of cultural contrasts became the inspiration for the story of Roberto, a young boy who explores his identity through his relationship with family and nature. “As a Mexican-American family, we didn’t see stories that reflected our reality when we were little. So, I decided to create a story that spoke about us, our traditions, and what it means to be part of two worlds at once,” Hersel explains.
Where Nopalitos Grow emphasizes the importance of keeping traditions alive, while also offering new generations stories that speak directly to their reality. “My name is Irma Linda Hersel, and I am the author of Where Nopalitos Grow, a bilingual children’s book that follows the story of a boy and his grandmother as they gather, prepare, and enjoy nopales together. It’s a simple and heartwarming story that honors the beauty of Latino traditions, family love, and culinary memories passed down through generations,” she says, explaining the personal focus behind her work.
The book has been recognized for its ability to address issues of identity and belonging in an accessible way for children. Nominated as a finalist for the 2024 Best Books Awards by American Book Fest, Where Nopalitos Grow has also been added to the public library system in Chicago, allowing more families and educators to access this story that highlights the importance of traditions and bilingualism.
Through a narrative that weaves together Spanish and English, the book enables young readers to immerse themselves in a familiar environment while learning new words and concepts. The book also includes interactive educational resources, designed to engage both children and educators. From coloring activities to word games and traditional recipes, Hersel has created a space where the lessons of the book can be brought into both family and school settings.
Additionally, the author encourages children to share their artwork using the hashtag #wherenopalitosgrow, extending the experience beyond the pages of the book. “I’m actively working to bring it to schools and libraries in California, especially in communities like Chula Vista, where family and cultural heritage are deeply rooted,” Hersel adds, highlighting her efforts to bring her story to more places and continue the conversation about the importance of cultural identity.
The seed for this project was planted during her time at Kendall College of Art and Design, where Hersel began combining her love for art with storytelling. Since then, she has continued developing initiatives that promote cultural learning through gardening, cooking, and storytelling.
“Nopales can grow anywhere, even in the most unexpected places,” says Hersel, highlighting the central message of her book: the ability of cultures and stories to bloom, no matter the circumstances.
Through her work, Irma Linda Hersel not only offers a window into her own experience as a Mexican-American, but also gives children and their families an opportunity to reflect on their own roots and the value of intergenerational connection. Where Nopalitos Grow thus becomes a tribute to cultural identity and the importance of keeping family stories alive, proving that, just like the nopal cactus, cultural roots can grow and thrive anywhere.
