In Solimar’s fictional village, people believe that the ancestors of monarch butterflies inhabit the oyamel forest. The monarch migration is remarkable, their importance to the natural world is profound, and there are myths and legends about the monarchs that many cultures hold close to their hearts. I grew up in southern California where I often visited the Central Coast, one of the monarch butterfly overwintering sites. As I researched settings, I was drawn to the oyamel forests and the monarch butterfly migration to central Mexico. I was intrigued, and embraced the opportunity to sculpt a Latina heroine. That was the beginning of many discussions over several years. In 2014, publishing executives at Disney, including editor Samantha McFerrin, invited me to meet to discuss a potential Latina princess story. What was the inspiration for this girl and her fantastical story? With Solimar, you’ve created a magical heroine who must use her gift to save migrating monarch butterflies, while simultaneously saving her family and the entire Kingdom. The seasoned author speaks to SLJ about the significance of intergenerational relationships, monarch migration, and community support in the shaping of this new Latina heroine. In her latest magical adventure of bravery and butterflies, Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the tale of Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs, wherein a young girl grapples with a unique gift while trying to save her village and step into her role as princess.
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