New Canaan Resident Authors Children’s Book ‘To My Little Onion’ [Q&A]

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A New Canaan resident, mom of two, and nurse with a doctorate degree in biomedical informatics, Dr. Roxana Maffei Burciago, recently published a children’s book titled ‘To My Little Onion.’

When her son was born with severe developmental delays, Burciago was inspired by her family’s experiences to write To My Little Onion – a story that follows the journey of a young boy with autism. 

She dedicates the book to her son, daughter and other families navigating similar challenges. 

In an excerpt taken from her author bio, Dr. Burciago said she “wants to remind parents that while the journey may feel overwhelming at first, taking it one day and one layer at a time can reveal incredible growth and strength-not just in their child, but in their family and themselves.”

We put some questions to Dr. Burciago about her new book, her family, and her connection to New Canaan. 

Our exchange follows.

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New Canaanite: Can you share a bit about yourself and your connection to New Canaan?

Dr. Roxana Maffei Burciago: My family and I have been proud to call New Canaan home for nearly seven years. We’ve built a life here filled with connection, community, and care. Our 10-year-old son attended West Preschool and West Elementary School, while our 8-year-old daughter began at First Presbyterian Preschool and then  West School.

Being part of this town—watching our children grow up in its schools, parks, and neighborhoods—has been a meaningful and joyful experience for our whole family. 

What can you tell us about the storyline of your new book, “To My Little Onion”?

To My Little Onion is a tender children’s book that follows the emotional and developmental journey of a young boy with autism, lovingly told through the eyes of his parent. The story uses the metaphor of an onion—layer by layer—to represent the gradual unfolding of the boy’s true self as he grows, learns, and overcomes challenges.

Each “layer” represents a stage of development, from learning to eat healthy foods and sleep soundly, to discovering physical confidence through sports and communication, and eventually forming deep connections with others. Along the way, the book highlights the power of love, patience, and perseverance—not just for the child, but for the family and friends surrounding him.

To My Little Onion is both a tribute and a tool: a tribute to the resilience and beauty of children with developmental differences, and a gentle guide for families on similar paths. It reassures readers that growth is not always linear, but with care and support, every child can shine in their own time. 

What inspired you to write the book?

To My Little Onion was inspired by my own family’s journey—specifically, my experience parenting a child with developmental differences and watching both of my children grow in beautifully unique ways.  The book is a tribute to my son, who has overcome tremendous challenges and continues to work hard every day, now fueled by the confidence of knowing his true potential. When my son was first diagnosed, the path forward felt overwhelming. Every milestone required patience, persistence, and a deep sense of trust that progress would come, one small step at a time. As we began to see those layers of his personality and capabilities slowly emerge—sometimes through tears, sometimes through triumph—I started describing his development like peeling back the layers of an onion. Each layer revealed something new, and something hard-earned. I wrote this book first for him—to show him that his journey is not just valid but extraordinary. And then I wrote it for my daughter, who has walked alongside him with compassion, humor, and fierce loyalty. And then I realized, more broadly, I wrote it for every family on a similar path. I wanted to remind parents and caregivers that while the journey may be hard and sometimes lonely, it is also full of wonder, growth, and love—not just for the child, but for the entire family. 

Who did you have in mind as the audience when you were writing the book?

My initial goal in writing To My Little Onion was to memorialize the journey my family experienced. I wanted to create something that would remind us where we started, and most importantly, help my son recognize just how far he’s come—so that he always remembers it’s possible for him to go even further. He’s already proven that he can.

And although creating this story was something deeply personal, I realized it was also universally meaningful—something that could resonate with other families and children navigating the complex, emotional, and often isolating world of developmental differences. I hope the book offers comfort, connection, and a sense of recognition—to remind parents they’re not alone, and that while the path forward is challenging, it can also be filled with beauty, strength, and transformation.

What do you hope readers will take away from the book? What impact do you hope it has?

I hope readers welcome To My Little Onion with open hearts—and that it serves as a warm, honest companion through what can sometimes be an isolating and overwhelming journey. More importantly, I want readers to remember that our children are incredibly perceptive. They hear us, they feel our love, and they understand the effort we put in—even if they don’t always show it in traditional ways. So never give up on them, because when they feel our belief in them, they learn to believe in themselves.

For example, now that my son is able to communicate more clearly, he often tells me about events we experienced and places we visited years ago—memories I didn’t even know he had held onto. It’s a powerful reminder that even when our children can’t express themselves in the moment, they are taking everything in. They understand, they feel, and they remember. That’s why it’s so important to never give up on them—because they are always listening, always learning, and, when the time is right, they will show us just how much they’ve carried with them.

And finally- at its core – this book is a love letter to children who develop differently and to the families who walk beside them—layer by layer, moment by moment. I hope readers walk away with a renewed sense of compassion, patience, and belief in the power of slow, steady progress.

Are there any other projects in the works? Could there be a second book on the horizon?

Yes, I do plan on writing more books centered around Onion Boy’s family. One of my upcoming projects focuses on giving a voice to the siblings of children with special needs. They are so often the quiet heroes in the background—loving, adapting, and growing in extraordinary ways that deserve just as much recognition and celebration. This next book will reflect both the unique challenges and the deep joy that come with being raised alongside a sibling whose journey unfolds one layer at a time. It’s my hope to honor not just the children with special needs, but also the incredible siblings who walk beside them every step of the way.

Additionally, grandparents are such an extraordinary part of this journey. Speaking from personal experience, I truly don’t know what we would have done without my parents’ unwavering involvement from the very beginning—and their continued presence today. They’ve poured so much love, time, and wisdom into enriching my children’s development. Their support has been both gentle and strong: compassionate when it’s needed most, yet always encouraging our kids to reach their full potential.Their role in our story is a reminder that it takes a village—a family working together across generations—to help each child thrive, layer by beautiful layer. I truly believe it’s a symbiotic relationship—one where the child gives just as much as they receive. Through this journey, our child has taught their grandparents the power of patience, resilience, and unconditional love.They’ve shown that developmental differences don’t have to be scary or limiting—they can be windows into new ways of thinking, connecting, and growing. It’s been incredible to watch the bond deepen between them, as both grandchild and grandparent learn from each other, layer by layer.

To My Little Onion is currently available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.