THE NEW ADVENTURES OF ENCANTO VOL. 1

The Madrigals are back with four exciting tales from the family’s past and present in Ortiz’s novel.

Have you ever wondered what happened to the Madrigal family after the ending of Disney’s popular animated musical fantasy film Encanto? What mischief do the village children get up to, and what place does the family have in it? Ortiz’s four new stories from the village shed a light on Mirabel’s brothers, sisters, and aunts and uncles in both the present day and, in the case of the latter, their childhoods. “Tall Tales” features a rascally Camilo coming up with an annoying if creative way to rout his cousin Antonio’s bully despite Mirabel’s desire that he directly speak to Antonio instead. Meanwhile, in “A Madrigal Showtime!” Mirabel encourages her sisters and cousin to perform in a local talent show, which Dolores is especially invested in because of her crush Mariano’s involvement. The Madrigals finally talk about Bruno in “Meet…Hernando!” where readers will see the elusive uncle struggle to make friends as a child and, not unlike Camilo in the first tale, invent a whole new character to get their attention. Bruno’s past isn’t so troubled, however, as in “Lovestruck” he sets out to fulfill a vision in which he foresees Pepa meeting her true love Félix for the very first time. Ortiz’s latest middle-grade graphic novel since Saving Chupie (2022) deftly replicates the bright colors, sweeping movements, and larger-than-life panache of the beloved film. Characters spill from the edges of panels, like Mariano cheering on the Madrigal girls. Each tale has its own entertaining spin on the importance of staying true to yourself and your talents. Its deft cross-generational storytelling ensures that no one is left out and that readers may be able to find their favorite character somewhere within its pages. Just as Mirabel describes the talent show, this book “is about celebrating life and love. It’s about having fun.”

Ortiz adds depth and dimension to characters readers would have previously only known on the silver screen.