Description
DAUGHTERS OF THE WAVES
Book Summary
A magical journey through the history and heritage of Pontevedra seen through the eyes of childhood. Froiaz, newly arrived in the city, discovers Mariña on the night of San Juan, a mysterious girl who will guide him on a fascinating tour. With her, the protagonist becomes invisible and travels through time to meet historical figures like Méndez Núñez or Castelao. But Mariña keeps a secret: she must constantly moisten herself with saltwater to avoid turning into stone. A fast-paced adventure that combines intrigue, local legends, and the magic of the full moon.
What is it about?
The work tells the story of Froiaz, a boy who moves with his family to Pontevedra and feels a deep rejection of his new home. Everything changes during the night of San Juan, when he hears a voice singing near his window. It is Mariña, an enigmatic girl with extraordinary powers: she can make him invisible and transport him through space and time. Together they travel through the city under the full moon, discovering its past and meeting key figures such as Benito Soto, Manuel Quiroga, or Castelao. However, Mariña carries an urgent secret: she needs to dampen herself with saltwater at every moment to avoid petrifying. The plot combines urban exploration with a mystery that maintains tension until the very end.
Main themes
- Historical and cultural heritage of Pontevedra
- Galician legends and traditions, such as the night of San Juan
- Friendship and overcoming uprooting during childhood
- Time travel and fantastic elements
- Identity and collective memory through historical characters
Who is it recommended for?
Aiming at boys and girls from 8 years old interested in adventure stories with mystery and fantasy. It is also ideal for young readers who want to discover the history of a Galician city in an enjoyable way, as well as for families and educators looking for an illustrated book that combines entertainment with cultural learning.
What this book offers
- A playful approach to the historical heritage of Pontevedra, fostering interest in local culture.
- A plot of intrigue and fantastic elements that maintains the narrative pace and the reader's curiosity.
- Illustrations by artist Xosé Cobas that recreate urban spaces and visually transport the reader to different eras.
- Values such as friendship, empathy, and the ability to see beauty in the unknown.
Technical specifications
- Author: CASALDERREY, FINA
- Publisher: Kalandraka
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: ILLUSTRATED ALBUMS, HISTORY AND THE PAST (CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULT)
- Collection: AUTHOR WORKS
- Binding: Hardcover
- Publication date: November 2024
- Number of pages: 64
- Weight: 552 g
Editorial assessment
Fina Casalderrey, National Literature Prize winner and Astrid Lindgren Award nominee, offers a work that connects childhood fantasy with the historical rigor of her hometown. The album stands out for its ability to integrate heritage learning within an agile and suspense-filled narrative. Xosé Cobas's illustrations perfectly complement the text, creating a visual experience that invites you to explore Pontevedra from the page. It is a solid proposal both for independent readers and for use in the classroom or family setting, especially for those seeking stories that unite adventure, mystery, and cultural roots.