Q. Can you share a little background information about yourself?

I am the seventh of 10 children from a happy Catholic family in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My American husband and I met in graduate school here in Texas, and we have lived in various college towns raising our seven kids. I have been an educator most of my life, and I have been writing since very young. 

Q. Why did you write the book about Jérôme Lejeune?

My mother was educated in a French school and my parents lived in France for a while before I was born. They instilled in us a deep love for that culture. I knew about Venerable Dr Lejeune even before I met him personally at a conference in 1993. After finishing the recently published biography by the postulator of his cause, I looked for a children’s book about him to share with my family and students. When I found nothing, I knew I was going to write it! 

Growing up, there were so many conversations around the dinner table about all things, many related to science. My father was a man of deep faith. He was an engineer and a pianist who had a deep interest in the Arts and in scientific fields of study, and my older brothers studied science. I have always known that science and faith go together beautifully. My husband is a scientist and professor, and I see the need for books to help impress on young children how these go hand-in-hand.

Q. What is it about Lejeune’s life that you feel is important to share?

While John Langdon Down first described the traits of Down syndrome in the 19th century, it was Dr. Lejeune, 100 years later, who first discovered its chromosomal makeup. It was a huge scientific advance for medicine and he won many awards. Lejeune was a dedicated and brilliant scientist, but first of all he was a family man of profound faith. This guided and anchored him for the rest of his life as he defended the right to life of individuals with chromosomal abnormalities. 

Q. What is the main message you hope to convey through the book?

The book shows children the harmony that exists between faith and science, and the example of a man who put his brilliant intellect and career in the service of God. 

Q. Have you written any other books?

Funny you ask. My husband has been telling me for years that I have a book of memoirs/stories in me. I am a storyteller when friends and family gather around the table. I have been cataloging past correspondence from my native Brazil and jotting down notes. Wish me luck! 

Q. Do you have any other books in the pipeline?

Yes, I have written a children‘s book of a story from Brazil that is in pre-publication stages with Word on Fire, and I am working on two more about “saintly scientists”!