Early Connection to Menorca
Conchita Llibre first set foot on Menorca when she was sixteen. The island’s calm beaches, winding trails, and relaxed vibe left a lasting impression. From that first visit, she felt a pull that would bring her back again and again.
A Sabbatical on the Island
Years later, while studying at the University of Barcelona, Llibre requested a leave of absence and moved to Menorca for four years. She lived there full‑time, immersing herself in the local culture, landscape, and community. The period ended last Christmas, but the memories remain vivid.
Inspiration from Ross and Phoebe
During her stay, Llibre spent countless hours walking the Camí de Cavalls with her two Labrador retrievers, Ross and Phoebe. The dogs’ names are a playful nod to two beloved characters from the TV show Friends. Their companionship turned each trek into a source of joy and storytelling material.
The Story Behind the Book
Llibre channeled those walks into her first published work, an illustrated children’s book titled “Ross i Phoebe i el tresor perdut de Menorca.”
- Plot: Ross and Phoebe embark on a quest along the historic trail to recover the lost pieces of pirate Binibarba Azul’s treasure, which vanished after a shipwreck.
- Length: Nearly one hundred pages, packed with adventure and humor.
- Languages: Available in both Catalan and Spanish editions.
Educational Elements Woven into the Adventure
While the narrative follows the dogs’ treasure hunt, it also serves as a gentle learning tool:
- Wildlife Spotlights: Readers meet native Menorcan animals, from the Balearic shearwall to the island’s distinctive lizards.
- Geography Lessons: Simple explanations of sandstone quarries, ancient necropolises, and how the Camí de Cavalls was originally used for horse patrols.
- Environmental Message: The story stresses the importance of protecting natural habitats and respecting wildlife nesting sites.
Respecting Local Regulations
Llibre and her dogs are careful to follow island rules. Certain stretches of the Camí de Cavalls—specifically stages 2 and 3 from es Grau to Arenal d’en Es Castell—are off‑limits to dogs during bird nesting seasons. By sticking to permitted sections, they help preserve the delicate balance of Menorca’s ecosystems.
Personal Motivations and Future Plans
Returning to Barcelona coincided with Llibre becoming a grandmother, a new role that influenced her day‑to‑day life and writing process. Despite this shift, Menorca remains close to her heart. She envisions spending more time there as retirement approaches, drawn by the island’s slower pace and its philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Reception and Outreach
The book has been warmly received:
- The Consell de Menorca purchased copies for every municipal library.
- Llibre plans a summer presentation on the island, inviting families and young readers to meet Ross and Phoebe (in spirit) and explore the story’s themes together.
Conclusion
Conchita Llibre’s Menorca‑inspired tale is more than a pirate adventure; it’s a love letter to the island’s landscapes, its wildlife, and the simple pleasure of wandering with loyal friends. Through Ross and Phoebe, she invites teens—and readers of all ages—to discover Menorca’s hidden treasures while reminding everyone to cherish and protect the world around them.
Source: https://www.menorca.info/conchita-llibre-ross-phoebe-treasure-book (example link for further information)
Images Credit: www.menorca.info