Children's/Middle Grade Brazil: Standalones
Pleasant Despain, David boston
(illustrator)
The Dancing Turtle
By American Author (Colorado)
Setting: Brazil
Genres: Folklore, Animal Fiction
Picture Book
Ages: 5+
Representation and Themes: Indigenous traditions, resilience, the spirit of Latin America, the power of music, nature, cleverness, and adventure.
In the vibrant heart of the Amazon rainforest, Tula, a spirited turtle, enchants the jungle with her flute melodies, unaware of the hunter plotting to capture her for turtle stew. Her fate hinges on the hunter's children and her cleverness. This Brazilian folktale, rich in indigenous tradition, celebrates Tula's resilience, mirroring the diverse and enduring spirit of Latin America's people. With lush watercolor illustrations by David Boston, readers are invited into a world where music, nature, and wit promise inspiration and delight. Ideal for young readers, the story is accessible with a Lexile Level of 570L and a Guided Reading level of K.
Ana Siqueira (Author), Irena Freitas (Illustrator)
If Your Abuelo Is an Astronauta
By Brazilian Author and Illustrator
Setting: Brazil
Genres: Bilingual Contemporary Fiction
Picture Book
Ages: 4+
Representation and Themes: Bilingualism, intergenerational relationships, sibling rivalry, family bonds, imagination, adventure, cultural connections.
Join the whimsical adventure of "Abuelo the Astronauta," a bilingual picture book that beautifully illustrates the bond between grandchildren and their distant grandparents. From the creators of If Your Babysitter Is a Bruja, this enchanting story delves into sibling dynamics and the boundless power of imagination. As AstroKid anticipates his abuelo's visit, he faces the challenge of the Space Invader—his mischievous sister. Determined to maximize their time, AstroKid embarks on a cosmic quest, battling his sister on Pluto and dodging asteroids. However, when his plans succeed too well, he must find a way to reunite with her and create cherished memories with his abuelo. This heartwarming tale celebrates family, imagination, and the unique trials of sibling rivalry, offering laughter, love, and a reminder of the unifying power of imagination.
Explore a curated gallery of standalone books capturing the vibrant spirit of Brazil for young readers. From lush Amazon adventures to urban legends by Brazilian writers, each story invites middle grade explorers on a journey through the heart of South America. Discover rich traditions and folklore that bring Brazil to life.
By Brazilian Author
Setting: Brazil
Genres: Contemporary Fiction
Picture Book
Ages: 4+
Representation and Themes: Brazilian culture, immigrant experiences, family bonds, nostalgia, longing, and the universal feeling of saudade.
Saudade is a deep, melancholic longing for something once cherished, a feeling familiar to anyone who has reminisced about a place, person, or experience. This Portuguese and Galician term, with no perfect English translation, is explored through the story of a Brazilian immigrant mother and her daughter. They reflect on what evokes saudade in their lives, from a salty breeze far from the ocean to the scent of great-grandma’s perfume and memories of family gatherings. Although rooted in Brazilian culture, saudade resonates universally, especially with those far from loved ones or in new homes. Ana Crespo shares her personal experience of saudade in an endnote, and a glossary explains Portuguese terms used in the narrative. Andre Ceolin’s vivid illustrations capture the bittersweet and profoundly human essence of this story.
Ana Siqueira (Author), duda oliva (Illustrator)
A Festa for Luana
By Brazilian Author and Illustrator
Setting: Brazil
Genres: Contemporary Fiction
Picture Book
Ages: 4+
Representation: Brazilian American culture, multicultural identity
Themes: Self-discovery, belonging, family support, embracing diversity
Join Luana, a young Brazilian American girl, in a heartwarming picture book as she navigates self-discovery and belonging during the vibrant Festa Junina festival. Filled with excitement for her visit to Brazil, Luana anticipates the colorful celebrations but feels out of place due to her plain clothes and American accent. Amidst lively festivities, she grapples with her identity but, with her family's support and a new tradition, learns that her multicultural identity is integral to who she is. This enchanting tale teaches that true belonging comes from embracing all facets of oneself.
Joana Pastro (Author), Carolina Coroa (Illustrator)
By Brazilian Author
Brazilian Illustrator
Setting: Brazil
Genres: Contemporary Fiction
Picture Book
Ages: 4+
Representation and Themes: Family bonds, cultural heritage, celebration of Carnaval, the significance of memory, and the joy of community.
Clara eagerly anticipates celebrating Carnaval, her favorite holiday, with her family, especially her great-grandmother. Although her great-grandmother, Bisa, might not attend, Clara feels the parade will remain special. Everyone, dressed in costumes lovingly made by Bisa, joins the street festivities. Amidst the vibrant colors, costumes, music, and dancing, something—or someone—seems missing.
Ana Siqueira (Author),
Fabiana Faiallo Alamino (Illustrator)
Boitatá the Fire Snake
By Brazilian Author and Illustrator
Setting: Brazil
Genres: Brazilian Folklore, Animal Fiction
Graphic Novel
Ages: 6+
Representation and Themes: Resilience, self-discovery, transformation, adaptation, adventure in nature, and the beauty of embracing change.
In a vibrant jungle teeming with life, a sudden shift in the weather sends the animal inhabitants scrambling for safety in the nearby mountains. As they seek refuge from the storm, a tale of transformation unfolds. When the skies clear and the animals return to their beloved forest, they discover that one snake has undergone a remarkable change—one that will alter his destiny forever.
Join this captivating journey as the snake learns to embrace his new identity, navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with it. This enchanting story not only highlights the power of resilience and adaptation but also celebrates the beauty of self-discovery.
With engaging text and visually stunning panels, Discover Graphics: Global Folktales invites readers of all ages to dive into a world where adventure and wisdom intertwine. Perfect for both seasoned graphic novel enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this book promises to ignite the imagination and inspire a love for storytelling.
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Children's/Middle Grade Brazil: Series
Step into our curated collection of immersive multi-book sagas and serialized tales capturing the soul of Brazil for middle-grade readers. Featuring Brazilian authors and vibrant South American landscapes, these literary journeys invite young explorers to follow beloved characters through Amazonian mysteries and urban legends.