Description
I AM
Book summary
A journey to the heart of the 1955 carnival in Cabrera de Mataró, where the excitement of a "carotes" (mask) contest meets an unexpected twist. Little Màrius jealously guards his mask, made at school, hoping to surprise everyone, especially his friend Helena. However, unforeseen events will transform this celebration into an unforgettable experience. This picture book, written in Catalan, is the third volume in the Biblioteca Ilturo collection, an initiative that brings the history and heritage of Cabrera de Mar to young readers through endearing characters and everyday plots.
What is it about?
The story takes place in Cabrera de Mataró during the 1955 carnival festivities. Màrius, a local boy, has created a mask at school to participate in the masked ball and the "carotes" contest. He is so excited that he decides not to show it to anyone, not even his friend Helena, as he wants it to be a complete surprise. The plot develops around the anticipation of the contest and the excitement of keeping the secret. However, a series of unexpected events interrupts the celebration, causing that carnival not to unfold like the previous ones. The work combines children's narrative with a local historical context, offering a window into the life and traditions of the era.
Main themes
- The tradition of carnival and costume contests in 1950s Spain.
- The importance of friendship and trust, represented in the relationship between Màrius and Helena.
- The value of surprise and childhood wonder in the face of a special event.
- The discovery of the historical and cultural heritage of Cabrera de Mar through an accessible narrative.
- Overcoming the unexpected and how unforeseen circumstances can change the course of a celebration.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is especially recommended for children beginning to read picture books, approximately from the age of 5 or 6. It is also ideal for families interested in the local history of Catalonia and the Maresme region, as well as for teachers looking for educational materials that combine fiction with cultural heritage. Young readers who enjoy stories of friendship, secrets, and traditional celebrations will find this work to be an accessible and endearing experience.
What this book offers
- An immersion into the daily life and traditions of a Catalan town in the 1950s.
- A story that encourages excitement, creativity, and the ability to adapt to change.
- A playful approach to the historical heritage of Cabrera de Mar, naturally integrated into the plot.
- A reading in Catalan that reinforces the bond with the language and local culture.
- A visual and textual narrative that stimulates the imagination and reading comprehension in the little ones.
Technical specifications
- Author: DIAZ REGUERA, RAQUEL
- Publisher: Cossetània Edicions
- Language: cat
- Topic: Picture books, Picture books: character books, Children's and young adult fiction and true stories, Historical fiction (children's/young adult)
- Collection: BIBLIOTECA ILTURO
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: September 2019
- Number of pages: 24
- Weight: 119 g
Editorial review
I AM is a solid proposal within children's literature that focuses on heritage dissemination without sacrificing an emotional and relatable story. The work manages to connect young readers with a local tradition, the 1955 carnival, through the eyes of a child, making historical learning organic and attractive. The brevity of the text and the picture book format make it an accessible option for early readers, while the context of the Biblioteca Ilturo collection provides added value for those interested in the history of the Maresme. In short, it is a recommended read for those looking for titles that combine entertainment, culture, and roots.