April 18, Monteiro Lobato
April 18, Monteiro Lobato Day, pays homage to one of the greatest names in Brazilian literature and marks National Children's Book Day. The date was chosen because it is the birthday of Monteiro Lobato (1882–1948), an author who revolutionized the way stories were told to children and advocated access to reading as a tool for social transformation.
Creator of the iconic Sítio do Picapau Amarelo, Lobato enchanted generations with characters such as Emília, Narizinho, Pedrinho, Dona Benta and Tia Nastácia. His stories mix fantasy, folklore, science and social criticism, awakening the imagination and promoting knowledge. More than a writer, he was an editor, translator and a staunch defender of quality public education.
The date aims to encourage reading from childhood and value authors who contribute to the cultural and intellectual development of children and young people. Across the country, schools, libraries and cultural institutions hold storytelling activities, book fairs and tributes to the author.
Monteiro Lobato's legacy lives on, showing that reading is a bridge to knowledge, citizenship and a more critical and creative future.
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