thesilkroadtoday
Between Antakya and Paris, Caroline Laurent Turunc has built a literary world where memory and imagination meet, and where human questions find a place alongside childhood dreams. A French writer and poet of Arab origin with roots in Antakya, she writes under her cherished literary signature, “La Poétesse de la Lumière”—the Poetess of Light.
Caroline grew up speaking Arabic. Turkish later entered her life, and French became part of her experience in France. These languages have shaped her understanding of language as memory, a home and a means of connecting with others. Antakya, with its cultural diversity and human stories, remains one of the sources that nourish her writing.
Her literary work includes eighteen books spanning poetry, fiction, children’s literature and essays, alongside thousands of poems. Human dignity, love, justice and longing run through her writing, together with a desire to preserve beauty and make room for hope in the reader’s life.
Her work also extends to international literary exchange. She serves as the Paris Representative of the International Institute of Poetry and Literature (IIPL) and holds the institute’s title of Global Peace Ambassador for France. She also represents France on the international jury of Asia Littéraire. These activities reflect her interest in dialogue among writers and in literature’s ability to bring people closer together.
Among her latest publications is the Italian edition of her illustrated children’s book, “KUMRUS & PIRPIR — I colori perduti della luce,” a title meaning “Kumrus and Pirpir — The Lost Colours of Light.” The story was previously published in French.
The adventure begins with the friendship between a curious ant and a small insect with colourful wings. When one of them needs help, that moment becomes the beginning of a bond that will lead them into a world that has lost its colours. Kumrus and Pirpir set out to restore the colours of light, facing shadows and the surprises hidden along their path.
At the heart of the story is a question familiar to children: what can we do when a friend needs us? The answer unfolds through the characters’ experiences and choices. Courage grows step by step, friendship gives the little heroes the confidence to try, and caring for nature begins with noticing its beauty.
The illustrations accompany the text, offering children the pleasure of discovery and giving parents an opportunity to read with them and discuss the characters. The book invites a shared moment between a child and the person reading aloud. Its questions can linger after the last page: which colour do we love? What do we want to protect? How can we help someone who needs us?
Published on 8 October 2026, the Italian edition comprises 93 pages. The author plans to publish an English edition soon, followed by translations into other languages, bringing these two little friends into new homes and introducing them to new readers.
Caroline invites families, friends and everyone who enjoys children’s literature to discover the book, read it with children or give it to them as a gift. She also welcomes those who believe that a love of reading can begin with a moment of curiosity and a page opened by a child to share the story with others.
The Italian edition is available to purchase on Amazon:
https://amzn.eu/d/09CKFSeV
Author name on Amazon:
Caroline Laurent Turunc
ISBN: 979-8161027684
