Community member Sili Recio just turned an original idea into a groundbreaking, bilingual illustrated picture book. The official title, If Dominican Were a Color (English) and Si Quisqueya fuera un color (Spanish). Thanks to Denene Millner Books and illustrations by Brianna McCarthy, If Dominican Were a Color, will be available in stores and online September 22, 2020.
Sili Recio’s Children’s Book: If Dominican Were a Color
How’d the idea of this book come to life?
“I originally wrote a poem for adults by the same name. It must’ve been early 2000’s. I shared it again as a blog post in 2017 and I remember Denene Millner commenting that it would be a great book for kids if it was adapted. I rewrote the poem that very same day.”
Who is this book designed for?
“This is a picture book but, as with many picture books, I believe that it is meant to reach adults as well. I’ve had several people tell me that this is the book they wish they’d had as children. I think this is for anyone who has ever experienced racism or colorism. I hope it’s a balm especially for those that are from Latin American countries and continue to be told what they’re not in the face of what and who they are.”
Describe the moment you saw the cover & illustrations?
“Instant tears. Every time I’ve seen a sketch, an updated illustration, a cover image, every time I was able to see my words come to life, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this journey that produced sweaty eyeballs. I have no words for the magic that Brianna McCarthy has created. We have never met in person but I cannot wait to wrap her up in a big hug of gratitude when I do meet her.”
What has been your family’s reactions to the book?
“So, my child is legit not impressed by anything I do. I don’t know how to feel about this. That being said, it wasn’t until she saw the pages of the book earlier this month that she reacted to it and told me how much she loved it. My siblings have walked this long journey with me and are excited to finally see the fruits of my labor.”
Tell us what you’re hoping to see by publishing it in English and Spanish?
“Initially, this book was supposed to be only in English and one day the thought hit me and when I reached out to the imprint, they loved the idea of having a Spanish language edition too. The publisher did as well. I’m hoping the book makes it home. And by home, I mean to every child or grown-up that has ever felt as if they did not fit in because of the color of their skin, no matter what language they speak or which copy they pick up.”
How will you work to spread the word about your book before its release?
“I’m hoping to continue to share the process on social media. Not just the process of the creation of the book but, my own story. Our stories bring us together and I hope to continue to do that as I share the excitement of the book. I’m about to start working with a publicist in the hopes to keep the drumbeat going toward September to keep the book top of mind.”
How can our community support you?
“Buy a book! Or 2 or 10! But seriously, sharing information about the book, talking about it on social media and their blogs, on podcasts, anything to keep the word going. I’ve created a toolkit with information so that my bloggy friends can help spread the word. I’m hoping to have a form out soon where people can sign up for a limited amount of books to review ahead of the book’s release date. I certainly invite my community to sign up.”
CLICK TO TWEET: #IDWAC is an exuberantly colorful, softly rhyming picture book and a gentle reminder that a nation’s hues are as wide as nature itself. It’s out in September but you can pre-order it today. http://IfDominicanWereaColor.com #IDWAC
What’s your advice to bloggers who’d like to write their own books?
Don’t forget to be yourself. I think those of us in social media are so used to the quick pace and fast-changing world that has been created by all of these platforms that sometimes, we forget ourselves and think that in order to get the next thing we should change or be more like whoever is on top at the time. Growth and knowledge are certainly a good thing but, authenticity trumps it all. Know your “who” and “why” and the rest will come in time.
CLICK TO TWEET: Celebrate @TheNetworkNiche Community Member @SiliRecio and her new illustrated book available in English and Spanish, If Dominican Were a Color #IDWAC. See her advice for bloggers who’d like to write their own book!
Follow Sili Recio on her website and tweet Sili Recio.
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