Brazil: The People

This book explores how the history, climate, geography, and religion of Brazil have shaped the customs and practices of modern daily life for some of the poorest and some of the wealthiest people in South America.

Brazil the Land

Text and photographs portray Brazil’s geography and climate, city and rural life, industry, and transportation, focusing especially on the Amazon and the people and animals that live on the river.

Me in the Middle

When ten-year-old Bel finds a photograph of her great-grandmother Beatrice, or Bisa Bea, she convinces her mother to let her borrow it. When the picture inexplicably vanishes, Bisa Bea’s voice suddenly emerges inside Bel, telling stories of the old days and counseling her on proper behavior by young girls. Then another voice emerges that tells her to be strong; this one belongs to her future granddaughter, and the key to how these voices came to live inside her lies in the lost photo of her great-grandmother. This whimsical, witty novel shows how knowledge of the past can strengthen the wisdom of future generations.

Tales Of the Amazon: How the Munduruku Indians Live

A member of a local Amazon tribe takes readers deep into the heart of Brazil in this lavish picture book. First, we meet a young Munduruku boy and discover how he is trained in the sacred ways of a shaman. In the second part, the author recounts his journey to the city after growing up among the trees and animals of the jungle, describing what he found there and how the people he met treated him. Part three offers a portrait of Amazonian culture – how they live, their legends, and their language.

Living In The Amazon Rainforest

The Yanomami have lived in the rain forest for thousands of years. They live in villages where many families share one big hut. You will read how they have learned special skills to survive in the rain forest.

Carnavalia!

Carnivals rule the streets of Brazil from Christmas to Ash Wednesday. This is a time of performances, merrymaking, and feasting that blends Catholic beliefs with African and Portuguese heritage into a variety of public celebrations. This wonderful book presents the folklore behind the festivities, explaining the significance of the colorful costumes, dances, and characters. Brazilian artist Liza Papi translates the energy and the rich traditions of northeastern Brazil into her vibrant, hand-colored, woodcut prints. Also, this unique storybook offers instructions on festive, easy-to-make decorations and costumes from common supplies such as newspapers, wheat paste, felt, colored paper, and nontoxic paints and glue.

See the review at WOW Review, Volume 5, Issue 3

Dancing Turtle: A Folktale from Brazil

After being caught by a hunter, a clever turtle uses her wits and her talent playing the flute to trick the hunter’s children into helping her escape.

The Moon Has Written You A Poem

Subtly capturing the innocence and imagination of childhood, this magical poetry collection captures the innocence and imagination of childhood focuses on the importance of family. Deftly translated verse captures the lyrical rhymes of the original Portuguese while providing a whimsical escape for the entire family to enjoy.

B is for Brazil (World Alphabets)

From the wilds of the Amazon rain forest to the busy streets of São Paulo; from C is for Carnival to J is for Jangada; from football to Zebu cattle; B Is for Brazil shows this lively South American country in all its colorful diversity. Maria de Fatima Campos’s striking full-color photographs capture the essence of Brazilian life – the interweaving of its cultures and peoples – as she leads the reader on an alphabetic tour. With a simple, informative text, the book illustrates the contrasts between city and rain forest, different customs and peoples, and the vibrant world of Brazilian children whether at home, at school, fishing on the river, or painting in the open air.