Sharline Z. Aboutanos, MD grew up in Miami, Florida, and then moved to Virginia, where she trained as a plastic surgeon. She discovered that caring for children was her calling and pursued specialization in the field of pediatric and craniofacial plastic surgery. She now works side by side with real stitch fairies!
Dr. Aboutanos loves taking walks outside to admire the trees and look for animals. She lives in Richmond with her husband and two children.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: I was inspired to write Sophie the Stitch Fairy after meeting a young boy in clinic who needed to have his sutures, or stitches, removed. He was about five or six years old and had had stitches placed in his forehead at the emergency room about a week prior. He was anxious about getting the stitches removed, so his mother and I told him that he could keep the stitches afterward and give them to the “Stitch Fairy.” We wrapped them up in a piece of gauze, and he took them home! I knew immediately that I wanted to create an illustrated children’s story about a Stitch Fairy who helps animals at the zoo, showing children (and adults) that getting stitches out doesn’t have to be a scary experience. I thought it would be a good idea to show that Stitch Fairies also have to overcome challenges to be able to help others, that helping others is important, and that there are several distraction techniques Stitch Fairies can use when taking care of children. I hope this book encourages children to feel more comfortable while getting their stitches out.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: I would advise anyone who wants to get into writing not to let fear hold you back. Express your creativity, do not abandon your ideas, and share them with the world.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: This is a difficult question, as I love so many books! Some of my favorite books include Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson, the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, and Dune by Frank Herbert.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes, Sophie is modeled after plastic surgeons, medical assistants, nurses, surgical assistants, emergency room physicians, and pediatricians who care for children.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: I enjoy writing poetry and trying to create fun rhymes. I also enjoy describing to the illustrator how I imagined all the characters to appear and little Easter eggs along the way.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: Ithink that some people have a natural talent for writing, while others can still become “good writers” with practice and dedication if they choose to.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” —Yoda’s most famous line from The Empire Strikes Back
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Yes, I would love to write another book and have many ideas for the next book I intend to write.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: I am inspired by Julia Donaldson for her creativity, poetry, and variety of stories she shares through her books.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker,what would they be?
A: Ah, these are difficult questions! The Holy Bible, as I would need comfort in this particular situation, the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling (I hope this counts as one!), The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien, and Dune by Frank Herbert.
Learn more about Sharline Aboutanos and her new children's book, Sophie the Stitch Fairy, here. Coming soon November 3rd, 2026!