About the Book

“A work of art. In each of the pages, you will feel the flow of a powerful energy which will murmur to each of your cells that it is time to come out of hiding, to open the windows, to breathe freely, to dress colorfully… to fly.”—Laura Esquivel, author of Like Water for Chocolate

An illustrated fable for all ages about a Mexican-American girl who transforms into a monarch butterfly and undertakes the great migration to Mexico, Monarca braids together the values of heritage, ecology, and personal transformation.

On her thirteenth birthday, Inés receives a mysterious necklace from her abuela in Mexico that turns her into a monarch butterfly—the fulfilment of a prophecy linking Inés’ destiny to her family’s legacy and the butterflies’ survival.

The adventure continues as Inés joins the monarchs on their long journey south to the butterfly sanctuary in Mexico—an odyssey that has become increasingly perilous due to human activity. Together, the swarm travels from the northeast to the swamps of Louisiana to the pine-filled mountain tops of the western Sierra Madre, finally alighting at the Sierra Chincua sanctuary. On this wondrous journey in the vein of Jonathan Livingston Seagull and The Little Prince, Inés discovers the connections between all living beings, and the urgent need to protect the monarchs' migration and habitats. 

Divided into four chapters to mirror the four stages in a monarch’s life—egg, larva, pupa and butterfly—Monarca blends Mexican folklore, environmentalism, and magical realism in an enchanting novella. Illustrated with stunning full-color drawings by Leopoldo Gout, this book will inspire readers to protect and cherish the sacred natural world around them.

Critical Praise

“A work of art. In each of the pages, you will feel the flow of a powerful energy which will murmur to each of your cells that it is time to come out of hiding, to open the windows, to breathe freely, to dress colorfully… to fly.” — Laura Esquivel, author of Like Water for Chocolate

"In Monarca, Eva Aridjis and Leopoldo Gout sweep the reader away on a meaningful and magical journey of discovery and wonder. An epic story of personal transformation, bravery and learning to appreciate the fragile world around us. Monarca is a fable destined to be an instant classic and will resonate with readers of all ages. A dazzling must read." — Tonya Hurley - New York Times bestselling author of the ghostgirl series

“A magical tale about a magical being. Monarca creates an embodied kinship between humans and animals, showing us when culture and nature bow to one another, empathy can redress despair into devotion. This is a story of hope with wings.” — Terry Tempest Williams, author of Erosion

“A lovely book.”  — Marlon James, Man Booker Prize winning author of A Brief History of Seven Killings

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780063057333
• ISBN 10: 0063057336
• Imprint: HarperOne
• On Sale: 04/19/2022
• Trimsize: 6.000 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.950 in (d)
• Pages: 240
• List Price: $26.99
• BISAC1 : FICTION / Fantasy / General
• BISAC2 : COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS / Humorous
• BISAC3 : FICTION / Visionary & Metaphysical
• BISAC4 : FICTION / Hispanic & Latino
• BISAC5 : LITERARY COLLECTIONS / American / General
• BISAC6 : COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS / Fantasy
• BISAC7 : COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS / Literary
• BISAC8 : COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS / Historical Fiction
• BISAC9 : COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS / Adaptations
• BISAC10 : COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS / Dystopian