Blog Archives
Saltarico e Carmel: Aventuras no Mar/Chesty and Carmel: Adventures by the Sea
Saltarico e Carmel: Adventures by the Sea follows Chesty, a book-loving squirrel from Boston, as he travels with his friend John to California. Along the way, he meets Posso, a gentle grizzly bear who teaches him the quiet power of asking permission, and later Carmel, a surfing shark who shows him that the sea can hold stories just as beautifully as any book. It’s a bilingual adventure about friendship, curiosity, courage, manners, and the way new places can open a child’s heart.
What I liked most was the book’s tenderness. As a parent, I’m always drawn to stories that teach without tightening their grip too much, and this one has a sweet, earnest spirit. The lesson about saying “May I?” could have felt stiff, but Posso makes it feel warm and relational. It’s not just about rules. It’s about respect, patience, and making room for someone else. I also loved how the story connects reading with travel and imagination. Chesty sees books as companions, and by the end, he’s able to see the ocean itself as a kind of living library. It’s a lovely way to remind children that stories aren’t only found on pages. They’re in places, friendships, fears, and first tries.
The writing is gentle and full of wonder, with a classic picture-book sweetness that feels especially suited for children who enjoy animal adventures with a moral center. The story takes its time, moving through Boston, Yellowstone, San Francisco, and Carmel-by-the-Sea with an almost travel-journal rhythm. The bilingual format gives the book an added richness, especially for families who value language learning or cultural connection. The artwork is bright, expressive, and inviting, with glowing forests, sunny beaches, and cheerful animal characters that give the story an imaginative, almost storybook-postcard feel. I was especially drawn to the scenes by the sea, where Carmel’s playfulness and Chesty’s smallness against the waves create a real feeling of awe.
I found Saltarico e Carmel: Adventures by the Sea to be a warmhearted, thoughtful children’s book with a unique spirit. It blends friendship, travel, literacy, and manners into a story that feels sincere and full of affection. I’d recommend it for families with children who love animals, books, ocean adventures, and gentle lessons about kindness, especially bilingual families or young readers learning Portuguese and English side by side.
Pages: 111 | ISBN : 978-1962185868
A Floresta Encantada / The Enchanted Forest
The Enchanted Forest, by Isabel Ricardo and translated from Portuguese by José Manuel Godinho, feels like a gentle introduction to longer fantasy stories for middle-grade readers. It’s the kind of book that slowly pulls you in, with just enough magic and emotion to keep you turning the pages.
The story follows a young girl, Rita, who finds herself stepping into a hidden, magical world during what begins as a normal day by the lake. What unfolds is a full-fledged adventure. She meets Bella, the fairy who protects the forest, and is introduced to a world where animals speak, underwater kingdoms shimmer, and every part of nature feels alive. As Rita spends more time in this enchanted space, she meets different animals, each with their own personality, and begins to understand how closely their world is tied to human actions.
What I loved about this children’s book is how it balances wonder with something more meaningful, grounded in our reality. There is magic everywhere, from crystal palaces beneath the lake to quiet forest paths filled with talking creatures, but there is also a clear message running through it. Rita learns that the same world that feels so beautiful is also fragile. Through her journey, she sees the effects of carelessness, pollution, and harm caused by humans. One of the most striking parts of the story is when she helps break a spell on a boy who has been turned into a swan, showing how kindness and second chances matter. Later, when hunters enter the forest, the tone shifts, reminding readers that this magical world is not untouched by danger.
The book also works beautifully for bilingual readers. With both Portuguese and English text, it becomes a great way for children or families to engage with a new language without feeling overwhelmed. I absolutely loved the illustrations as well. They are soft, magical, and detailed enough to draw younger readers into the story, making the forest feel vivid and real.
The Enchanted Forest is a lovely read for children who are ready to move into slightly longer, more immersive stories. It carries a quiet but important lesson about caring for nature, while still feeling like an adventure.
Pages: 135 | ISBN : 1962185761
O Tubarão Que Queria Surfar / The Shark Who Wanted To Surf
The Shark Who Wanted to Surf by Isabel Ricardo is a fun, fact-filled story about a blue shark named Carmel who dreams of surfing like the “two-legged creatures” on the surface. Each time he swims close enough to learn, the humans panic and flee. Carmel is left disappointed. Still, he refuses to let fear or doubt wash away his goal. That persistence gives the book a heartfelt, encouraging tone.
Ricardo introduces a variety of sea creatures who become part of Carmel’s world. Along the way, readers pick up engaging facts about anatomy and behavior. Those details deepen the underwater setting while also tracking Carmel’s emotional journey. Some animals dismiss his dream as silly. That response may feel familiar to young readers who have ever been discouraged for wanting something different. Others respond with warmth. Fizz the dolphin and Tentaclaude the octopus stand out as steady sources of support. Their kindness shows how far encouragement can go when someone is learning, growing, or trying something new.
A standout feature is that the book is bilingual, which adds an extra layer of value to the reading experience. Seeing the story presented in two languages supports vocabulary growth and language confidence without interrupting the flow. It also invites shared reading between children and adults who may be stronger in one language than the other. In a story centered on reaching across differences and refusing to give up, the bilingual format feels especially fitting. It widens the audience, strengthens comprehension, and makes rereading even more rewarding.
The backgrounds are detailed and adorable. The underwater scenes feel lively and full of personality. The color and small visual touches make the setting welcoming, even when Carmel hits setbacks. The illustrations also strengthen the emotional moments, especially when Carmel feels hopeful and determined because his friends believe in him.
I would recommend The Shark Who Wanted to Surf to young readers who enjoy ocean adventures, and especially to anyone who needs a reminder that dreams are worth chasing. Even when others disagree. It’s a gentle, uplifting story about friendship, courage, and self-belief.
Pages: 109 | ISBN : 978-1962185783
Immersion and Enthusiasm
Lucas Cabral and the Secret of the Amazon follows a group of guardians who must scramble to protect three newborn warriors while themselves being hunted by the Lord of Darkness. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This story was born from a moment of inspiration during a trip, while listening to the song “I Save the World Today” by the Eurythmics. The narrative is structured into five fundamental parts and explores the eternal struggle between Good and Evil. It begins with an epic battle between a thousand Templar knights and a creature determined to destroy humanity. A surviving Master Templar prophesies the birth of three Warriors with special gifts who, together, will be the only hope for victory. For a millennium, while the Enemy’s servants have relentlessly searched for these children, a secret Brotherhood has been formed to protect them. Each Warrior of Light is assigned a Guardian who is prepared to give their life for them if necessary.
What is it that draws you to action and adventure tales?
I love writing stories filled with action, mystery, and adventure because I know how effectively they engage young readers – a mission I consider deeply important. When a theme is truly exciting, readers become so enthralled that they cannot put the book down, remaining captivated from the first to the very last page. Creating that sense of immersion and enthusiasm is exactly what draws me to this genre!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Beyond the classic battle between Good and Evil, I wanted to explore fundamental values such as solidarity, companionship, and loyalty. Environmentalism and ecology are also central themes; I wanted to raise awareness about the risks the Amazon rainforest faces due to unbridled ambition, greed, and the short-sightedness of those who put our entire planet in danger.
Can you give us a glimpse inside the next installment in this series? Where will it take readers?
The next book will be Fernão Dias and the Mystery of the Black Stones. It features the third Warrior of Light, born in Angola, who possesses very different gifts from those of Sofia Gama and Lucas Cabral. It is an incredibly emotional and thrilling book that continues this global mission to protect the Light.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Lucas Cabral and the Secret of the Amazon: The Warriors of Light Series
Lucas Cabral and the Secret of the Amazon sweeps through prophecy, danger, and a race against time as ancient forces stir and evil claws its way toward freedom. The story moves from a cursed Templar temple to modern Brazil, where the birth of three extraordinary children sends shockwaves through the world. As Brotherhood guardians scramble to protect the newborn Warriors of Light, sinister servants of the Lord of Darkness hunt them across continents. The book blends myth, adventure, and heartfelt human moments in a tale about destiny, courage, and the fragile balance between good and evil.
This was an exciting story, and I felt the excitement right from the beginning. The writing has a bold, cinematic quality. At times, it feels intense, even breathless, because danger lurks behind so many corners. I loved how the book shifts between sweeping prophecy and very grounded moments, especially the scenes with Rafael navigating airports while holding onto fear and faith at the same time. The mix of mysticism and real-world tension pulled me along, and that slow but steady buildup was thrilling.
I also felt a warm connection to the characters. Rafael’s devotion struck me deeply. He’s not flashy or loud. He’s steady and scared and determined, which made him feel real to me. Tendy and Paulo brought softness and heart into the story, and the Amazon setting felt rich and alive. There were moments when I wished the pacing slowed down to give me more time with them, but even then, I admired how the author kept the story moving along. The ideas in the book made me think about legacy and responsibility and how ordinary people rise when the world seems to be falling apart.
By the time I reached the last pages, I felt both satisfied and curious about what comes next. I would recommend this book to readers who love fast-moving adventures, mythical prophecies, and stories where ordinary characters carry extraordinary burdens. It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys young adult fantasy with a global scope and a good dose of heart.
Pages: 283 | ISBN : 978-1962185776
The Squirrel Who Loved Books – O Esquilo Que Amava Livros
Isabel Ricardo’s The Squirrel Who Loved Books is a sweet, bilingual tale about an unusually book-obsessed squirrel named Chesty (or Saltarico in Portuguese) and a Portuguese boy named John (João), who is struggling with homesickness after moving to Boston. Set primarily in the lush Boston Public Garden, the story unfolds around the unlikely but heartwarming friendship between the two. Chesty is no ordinary squirrel—he steals books from park visitors, always leaving an acorn or nut in return, until he discovers something far more rewarding: sharing stories and connection. Through their bond, both characters learn about empathy, culture, and the magic of storytelling.
I really enjoyed how playful and imaginative the writing was. Ricardo has a gift for wrapping meaningful themes in whimsical, colorful packaging. There’s an innocence to the narrative, but it’s never too cutesy. I cracked a smile more than once, especially during the squirrel’s mischievous book heists and his nut-throwing prank on the mean dog. The fact that the squirrel ends up with his own treasured book and even visits the Boston Public Library hit me right in my bookworm heart. The way the story folds in themes like immigration, bilingualism, loneliness, and curiosity without being heavy-handed is something I really liked.
The story leans into a lovely kind of idealism, like when the whole city starts leaving books out for the squirrels. It’s whimsical and full of heart, exactly the kind of joyful imagination that makes children’s books so magical. It embraces its message with sincerity, and that’s part of its charm. The bilingual format is a lovely touch, too. It’s not just practical for learning languages, it feels like an echo of the book’s deeper message: different cultures and creatures can connect through stories. Also, the illustrations help sell the emotional beats and playful tone of the book, although the style changes from scene to scene.
The Squirrel Who Loved Books is a delightful and feel-good story that would be a perfect read for children, bilingual families, or even nostalgic adults who still believe in the wonder of books. It’s cozy. It’s thoughtful. It reminds us that even the smallest creatures can feel big things.
Pages: 93 | ISBN : 1962185559
Living With the Characters
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon follows four friends as they head to Óbidos Lagoon in Portugal for a camping trip, who end up on a suspenseful journey to unravel a series of suspicious incidents surrounding a historical legend. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The plot for this book was already in my mind. The ADVENTURERS would camp in three lagoons in central Portugal and then one of them would be kidnapped during the night and taken to Leiria Castle. However, when I arrived at Óbidos Lagoon, as I always go to the places where the stories will take place, I was surprised by those noises in the lagoon, I heard the story of the underwater people and the plot changed completely. I had to forget all about the previous one and leave it for the next volume, the 5th (The Adventurers in the Lost Labyrinth), and create a different one. So, this adventure took place entirely in the charming little town of Óbidos and its lagoon, the largest freshwater and saltwater lagoon in Europe.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
I always have a lot of fun during the entire process of writing these books, living with the characters, but I laughed a lot writing the scene in which Tony hits the bandit Margarido on the head with a bucket and puts a fish in his mouth so he won’t scream for help.
Did you find anything in your research of this story that surprised you?
During the research for this book, I was really surprised by the legend of the underwater people from the Óbidos Lagoon. As soon as I heard it, I had to include it in the plot.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The ADVENTURERS have many adventures ahead of them, travelling from north to south across the country, always with exciting adventures, thrilling plots, and a touch of history, as Portugal has a very rich history, in events and characters. It is the oldest nation in Europe to have defined borders. There are currently 16 volumes in the series. The next one is set on Berlengas Island, and its plot is linked to the legend of the treasure of a pirate, Captain Kidd.
Author Links: GoodReads | Isabel Ricardo | Facebook | SerieOsAventureiros | Website | Amazon
Then something happens in the dead of night: footsteps wandering nearby, strange sounds in the lagoon whose origin no one can trace, and a mysterious sight. Do these events have to do with “shrews”, underwater men, a local legend? Determined not to be intimidated, THE ADVENTURERS devise an audacious plan to unravel the suspicious incidents they witness. What strange mystery does Óbidos Lagoon hide?
Volume one and two in the ADVENTURERS series, The Adventurers and the Treasure Cave and The Adventurers and the Underground River, are Literary Titan Book Award winners – Four Stars/ Silver Award.
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon
This book is a delightful mix of mystery, history, and good old-fashioned adventure. It follows four kids, Bea, Chris, Tony, and Daniel, plus Jack, a talkative, mischief-loving crow, as they head to Óbidos Lagoon in Portugal for a camping trip. What begins as a fun getaway quickly morphs into a suspenseful journey involving odd nighttime conversations, historical legends, sneaky strangers, and a whole lot of curiosity. With its blend of real locations, local folklore, and fast-paced action, The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon feels both grounded and fantastical.
What really pulled me in was the charm of the characters, especially Jack the crow. His goofy lines like “Shoo, pests! Shoo!” and “Well, whaddya know?” gave the story so much life. The dynamic between the kids was warm and familiar, with snarky sibling comments, inside jokes, and all the awkward chaos of real friendships. One of my favorite early moments is when Jack mimics the train whistle and causes such a ruckus that passengers switch train cars. That’s the kind of energy this book carries, playful and slightly unhinged in the best way.
I also appreciated how rooted the story is in the setting. The descriptions of Óbidos are just beautiful, like when Bea exclaims, “I’ll come and live here one day! I’m in love!” I shared the same sentiment. The castle, the winding streets, the lagoon, it all feels vivid and alive. Plus, the historical facts sprinkled throughout (like the tale of Afonso Henriques and the Traitor’s Gate) are fascinating without ever being dry. It’s clear the author knows and loves this place deeply. That passion is contagious.
The mystery itself, while not wildly complex, is satisfying. There are shady adults, missing items, whispers in the night, and even a bit of environmental commentary on lagoon pollution. I wouldn’t say it had me on the edge of my seat, but I was definitely eager to find out what the deal was with Margarido and the weird noises at night. It’s a mystery more about atmosphere and tension than plot twists, which works for a younger or middle-grade audience.
The Adventurers and the Enigma of the Lagoon is fun and wholesome without being boring, adventurous without being reckless, and smart without being preachy. If you like The Famous Five or Nancy Drew, but with a European twist and a slightly more magical bird, this is right up your alley. I’d recommend it to kids around 9–13, families reading together, or anyone who enjoys lighthearted adventures in charming places.
Pages: 181 | ISBN : 1962185478
