El cuarto turquesa The Turquoise Room

Author: Monica Brown

Illustrations by: Adriana M. Garcia

Published by: Children’s Book Press

Locations: Peru and the United States

Languages: Spanish and English

Spanish Translation by: Cinthya Miranda-McIntosh

Age: 6-10 years old

This beautiful story is based on the life of author Monica Brown. Based on the legacy of the generations of imaginative women in her family, Brown passes along her family’s secret to the next generation, sharing the story of artistry and imaginative power that has enabled the women in her family to go so far. In the process, we see a legacy centuries in the making, beginning with artist-traveler Esther, whose journey begins in Peru over a century ago, and sees its future manifesting in Monica’s daughters (now based in primarily in the US) who will determine what this imaginative power will bring to the next generation. This family’s story demonstrates the power of imagination, self-fulfillment, and confidence, encouraging young readers to go out and dare to chase their own imagined futures–whether that be on a page, in a book, or in creating and loving across borders and boundaries.

While expertly told (in Spanish and English), this journey is also enchantingly illustrated by Adriana M. Garcia. The whimsical perspective of the illustrations bring the story to life, as does the unique color palette. Based in the initial story of imaginative power Isabel’s turquoise room fostered, the majority of the illustrations are illuminated by blues and purples. Only the dreams imagined and artistic productions are given full color, placing an increased emphasis on the power and of these creations. It is with this emphasis that we picture the voyages dreamed and lands traversed throughout this family’s history, placing value on the power of these creative pursuits in guiding the different destinies of each woman. We also see how creativity is fostered and shared by each mother with her children. In fact, it is a defining feature of this family’s tradition of teaching and sharing knowledge, enshrined in the turquoise room but which truly lies in each member of this family. We highly encourage this beautiful read, and hope it spurs creative traditions across all families who have the opportunity to share it.