BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS: Familia Madrigal (cousins edition)
Where I make book recommendations to the family members from Disney’s movie Encanto. This is based off of what I have read and enjoyed personally or based on the book buzz on Bookstagram. There will be a picture book for each character as I believe picture books are for all ages. The second book will vary from adult-middle grade. Feel free to check out my bookshop list if you’d like the complete book list of books!
Welcome to the Family Madrigal
The home of the Family Madrigal (we’re on our way)
Where all the people are fantastical and magical
I’m part of the Family Madrigal-Encanto, Song: “The Family Madrigal”
Just like the rest of the world I am obsessed with Disney’s latest animated film: Encanto. I saw it first in theaters on Thanksgiving Day and it absolutely brought me to tears and inspired me. I became inspired to cosplay as: Isabela.
The idea for a cosplay got me thinking about what books I should feature in my cosplay pictures. I thought to myself: What books would Isa read? What would I recommend to her??
Why not make recommendations for ALL of the Madrigal cousins!?
“I think it’s time for a grandkid round up!”
Dolores
For Dolores I would recommend: “You Had Me at Hola” by Alexis Daria.
“You Had Me at Hola” is a rom-com with odes to telenovelas, steamy love scenes, a great set of supporting characters; Dolores would love this book!
This book is perfect for Dolores as she and the main character from “YHMaH”, Jasmine, have similar personalities. Dolores has the ability to hear sounds from all distances, which she could have used to win over her crush Mariano. Instead she gives Mariano his space and waits respectfully, once she has her chance she is confident and speaks boldly. Dolores’s bold move makes me think of Jasmine’s determination and confidence.
Aside from their shared personalities, they both experience a similar romance, a forbidden love. Plus, Dolores would enjoy reading about Jasmine and her primas (cousins) also known as the “Primas of Power”. The Primas of Power are hilarious and supportive; they are Jasmine’s cheerleaders, confidants, and counselors.
My second recommendation would be “La Princessa and the Pea” by Susan Middleton Elya, illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal.
This children’s picture book retells the classic story of The Princess and the Pea, creating a bilingual story of a forlorn prince in search of their princess. The book is inspired by the culture of Peru, absolutely beautiful. At the back of the book there is a glossary featuring phonetic pronunciation of the Spanish words. The story is a great book to read-a-loud with it’s lyrical rhythm.
The parallels between the retelling and Dolores’s romance are uncanny. As it could be said that Mariano is the prince of the small town the enchantment from “Encanto” protects. In both stories, the prince is lonely and is ready to settle down with a beautiful princess. Also, both Mariano and the prince from “TPatP”, have protective mothers who want to set up there son with the “perfect” princess.
Nobody is perfect of course, but the princess as well as Dolores prove that they care enough to be given the chance to see where their relationship goes. There is a difference with these love stories as the children’s story ends with a marriage and the movie does not. I personally love how Dolores does not vote in favor of immediate marriage. Nonetheless I love this Latinx inspired retelling for its overall message, that if the love is true it can overcome anything with just a simple action.
Camilo
Camilo! My mischievous shapeshifter. I recommend We Light Up the Sky by Lilliam Rivera.
We Light Up The Sky by Lilliam Rivera is a YA sci-fi novel that follows three young adults who take on defending Los Angeles, CA from an invading extraterrestrial. The odds are against them as the gang barely know each other. Plus they are dealing with an e.t. that can morph itself to look human and sound like anyone it interacts with. It has turned LA into an overgrown jungle filled with an obedient poisonous subspecies of mountain lions and coyotes. The gang needs to find it’s weakness to stop it from taking over the planet. (keep reading my review here)
Camillo gives off the vibe of a sci-fi enthusiast, making this YA novel a great fit for Cam. The book is medium paced and has an alien villain with shapeshifting qualities. Plus, I think he will find the cast of characters relatable in age and in opinions, especially Pedro. Both are fun, opinionated, and they have big hearts With Cam’s relatability to a character in the book, I can see him reading through it quickly and enjoying it!
Next, continuing along with the theme of shapeshifters, “Loki: Agent of Asgard-The Complete Collection” by Al Ewing.
This is an obvious book recommendation based purely on the two characters abilities and personalities. Both Camilo and Loki are mischievous shapeshifters. Plus, the collection is fast paced with so much lore and adventure, that is sure to keep Cam entertained.
Antonio
For Antonio I am recommending two pictures books and a middle grade book for when he gets older!
The middle grade book that I recommend is Curse of the Night Witch by Alex Aster. The book is inspired by Colombian folklore and will quickly grab the attention of young readers who are interested in animals and magic.
Curse of the Night Witch is about a young boy named Tor Luna and a wish. A wish that spirals into a curse. Tor then finds himself on a journey to find the witch to uplift the curse that has fallen upon him. On his journey, he and his friends battle giant creatures, forests, and things thought to be only of legend.
Antonio will enjoy this book because of the magic system, fast pace, and great set of characters. Tor is a lot like Antonio in that they both are destined to have a special ability or gift. Just like Antonio, Tor is very uncertain about his gift and I think he could find comfort in that. Tor makes a wish to change his gift as he does not believe it fits him. He then goes on a journey to lift a curse, finding himself along the way, proving to Antonio that it is okay feel uncertain with time you will find who you are meant to be.
Continuing with the theme to comfort and support Antonio I recommend: The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López, as well as Hello, Little One: A Monarch Butterfly Story by Zeena Pliska and illustrated by Fiona Halliday. Both are about overcoming the adversary of change and how no matter how overwhelming that change may be you have what it takes to be brave.
All three of these books are meant to help Antonio realize that he is supported and to provide examples of others overcoming adversary. Antonio is so nervous when it is his day to receive his gift. His fear is due in part to the mistreatment of Mirabel who is treated like an outsider at the beginning of the movie. Antonio was so nervous and afraid and I just want him to know that everything will be okay. With or without his a gift he can feel confident that as he continues to grow as a person and learns about himself he will find that his family will always love and support him.
Isabela
To the girl who started it all! I recommend one of my most recent reads: For Brown Girls with Sharp Edges and Tender Hearts: A Love Letter to Women of Color by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez.
In the movie Encanto, Isabela has this pressure to be “perfect”: to be smart, pretty, and kind: “a respectable woman”. She is given the burden to add to the prosperity of the magic through marriage and having children. It due to the very patriarchal idea of women in which this burden is bestowed upon her as the eldest daughter. Why must her worth be belittled to her ability to have children?
We are socialized to seek admiration and approval to a fault. When does the social performance end? How many of us will follow the prescribed roles—- marriage, motherhood—-just to be respected, heard, or legible as adults?
-Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez, p 179.
There are hints throughout the whole film about Isabela’s feelings toward her arranged marriage. The negative hints begin with the pink flowers that spring upon her head at the thought of having 5 kids (!!!), her frantic face as Mariano is proposing, and finally her song:
Flor de mayo, by the mile
I make perfect, practiced poses
So much hides behind my smile
(Do you know where you’re going? Whoa)
What could I do if I just knew it didn’t need to be perfect?
It just needed to be? And they’d let me be?
Luisa
For Luisa I recommend Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds.
Reynolds writes a YA rom-com about love, friendship, and time traveling. I think Luisa would enjoy this book because it is a real tear jerker, so it will help her have a good cry. Plus the overall message would speak volumes to Luisa; you shouldn’t have to carry the whole world alone, but instead you take on what you can together.
In “Opposite of Always”, Jack falls in love with Kate but then he finds out she’s incredibly ill and she dies. Under bizarre circumstances Jack is sent back in time to when Kate is still alive and well. Still in disbelief, Jack believes that he was sent back in time to save Kate. Ultimately, as Jack tries to save Kate he learns how by taking on an immense amount of pressure he ends up hurting himself and those closest to him.
Luisa would enjoy this book because of the sweet dorky romance that blooms between Kate and Jack, they have some of the best banter. Also there are multiple life lessons that will resonate with her. Luisa takes on a lot of pressure as a big sister and because of her gift of super strength, she can use some perspective on how far she should push herself to take care of her family.
Alongside the Opposite of Always, I recommend: Be A Star Wonder Woman by Michael Dahl and illustrated by Omar Lozano.
Luisa is a wonder (-ful) woman and she knows her worth, but she can use this book to see how you can always ask for help if you need it. The picture book is very short and it relies on mainly its pictures to tell the story, nonetheless the message still stands and the illustrations ar adorable!
Mirabel
Finally Mirable, our hero of the “Encanto”! To you I recommend: The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova, Lobizona by Romina Garber, and Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley-Newton.
With the intention to teach Mirabel to love herself I picked the picture book Just Like Me, which is filled with gorgeous artwork and poems.
The artwork featured reminds me of the Mirabel, from her vibrant clothes to her courageous personality. Alongside the pictures are poems that speak directly to the reader, discussing emotions,about being a warrior, an explorer and being a girl. Its an empowering picture book that I think Mirabel would appreciate and enjoy as she finds herself amongst the pages.
Next on the list is “Lobizona” an AMAZING book inspired by Argentinian culture. If you are looking for a book written by a BIPOC voice, about werewolves and witches with tropes like a magic school and found family, this is a MUST read.
Lobizona is the perfect fit for Mirabel as both she and Manuela (the hero from Lobizona) both feel like outsiders and both go through journeys of self discovery. I think Mirabel would also find comfort in reading about a magical person being treated like an outsider. It would show that with or without powers you will be criticized, but that doesn’t matter, what matters is that you realize how amazing you are as a person and with your thoughts and words you can can do or be anything.
Lastly i would recommend to Mirabel, The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina based purely on the synopsis:
” The Montoyas are used to a life without explanations. They know better than to ask why the pantry never seems to run low, or why their matriarch won’t ever leave their home in Four Rivers–not for graduations, weddings, or baptisms. But when Orquídea Divina invites them to her funeral and to collect their inheritance, they hope to learn the secrets that she has held onto so tightly their whole lives. Instead, Orquídea is transformed into a ceiba tree, leaving them with more questions than answers.
Seven years later, her gifts have manifested in different ways for Marimar, Rey, and Rhiannon, granting them unexpected blessings and powers. But soon, a hidden figure begins to tear through their family tree, picking them off one by one as it seeks to destroy Orquídea’s line. Determined to save what’s left of their family and uncover the truth behind their inheritance, her descendants travel to Ecuador–to the place where Orquídea buried her secrets and broken promises and never looked back.
Alternating between Orquídea’s past and her descendants’ present, The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina is a “spellbinding tale, both timeless and fresh, that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Prepare to fall in love” (Kim Liggett, New York Times bestselling author).”