Description
The perfect moment
Book summary
An illustrated story about the importance of empathy and the value of time spent together. The protagonist, a squirrel, receives an urgent letter that forces him to reach his destination without delay. However, on his way through the forest, he meets several friends who need his help. This tale, written by Susanna Isern and illustrated by Marco Somà, invites young and old alike to reflect on whether haste is worth it when there is someone who needs us.
What is it about?
The squirrel is determined to carry out an important mission: to reach his destination as quickly as possible after receiving a letter that seems urgent. But the forest is full of unforeseen events. One after another, various forest animals ask him for help. The protagonist struggles between his initial goal and the opportunity to lend a hand to those who need it. The story, in Portuguese, combines text and illustration to show that, sometimes, the perfect moment is not the one we plan, but the one that arises when we stop to help others.
Main themes
- Empathy and solidarity with forest friends.
- The value of time and managing haste.
- The importance of helping others, even when we have our own plans.
- Relationships between forest animals as a metaphor for coexistence.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is recommended for children in preschool and early primary school, as well as for families and educators looking for a reading in Portuguese that promotes values such as friendship and generosity. It is also suitable for reading mediators working with groups of young children.
What this book offers
- A simple and emotional story that teaches how to prioritize the needs of others over one's own urgency.
- High-quality illustrations that enrich the reading experience and facilitate understanding of the story.
- A text in Portuguese that allows for working with the language in a natural and attractive way.
- An accessible reflection on time management and empathy, adapted to children's understanding.
- A manageable and resistant format (board book) ideal for small hands and frequent use.
Data sheet
- Author: Isern, Susanna
- Publisher: Ediciones la Fragatina
- Language: por
- Topic: ILLUSTRATED STORYBOOKS, CHILDREN'S AND YOUNG ADULT FICTION AND TRUE STORIES
- Collection: OTHER LANGUAGES
- Binding: Board book
- Date of publication: October 2016
- Number of pages: 32
- Weight: 400 g
Editorial review
A solid proposal within illustrated children's literature in Portuguese. The combination of a brief and direct text with expressive illustrations full of details makes O momento perfeito a work that functions both for reading aloud and for autonomous visual exploration. The plot, centered on a simple but significant moral dilemma, connects with children's daily experience and offers a starting point to talk about friendship and mutual aid. It is a recommendable title for school libraries, language classrooms, and homes where editorial quality and educational content are valued.

