What do you see from your window? This #OwnVoices picture book from Brazil offers a first-hand view of what children growing up in the favelas of Rio de Janiero see everyday. A vibrant and diverse celebration of urban community living, brought to life by unique, colorful illustrations that juxtapose brick buildings with lush jungle plants.
Books are such a wonderful way for kids (and adults) to gain some exposure to and empathy for others’ lifestyles and realities. I was so excited to see that this was a book about favelas—something I’d otherwise have a difficult time to give me kids exposure to—in a really positive way.
Since discovering an old book in a rubbish pile when he was eight years old, Otávio Júnior has never stopped reading. Today he is a writer, actor, storyteller and theatrical producer in his hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Otávio also founded the Ler é 10 — Leia Favela project, which opened the first permanent library in the favelas of Complexo de Penha and Alemão in Rio and continues to bring the love of reading to children in his community.
Vanina Starkoff was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She studied graphic design at the University of Buenos Aires and she graduated with the Colombian illustrator José Sanabria. Since completing her first picture book in 2010, she has gained international recognition for her vivid landscape illustrations. She lives in Buzios, Brazil.
To dear Otávio and his generous heart, for inviting me to see from his window
To my dearest friends who dreamt with me beyond the horizons of the window: Julia Moraes, Juliana Borel, Pedro Gerolimich, Andre Castilho, Eduardo Glitz, Carla Branco and Henrique Rodrigues. Vanina Starkoff, the beautifier of the windows. João Victor Souza, the first to see the enchanted castle.