When I Was a Girl

I enjoyed playing teacher, so I could boss all my dolls and bears around. I would wear my mum’s heels to make them jingle as I walked around my imaginary classroom. I would also fill myself with bracelets that would clack as I moved my hands around explaining the subject.

“It was hard for me to get out of bed, which was warm in the mornings (…) On the way to school I was jumping over the paving stones and avoiding stepping on the edges”, says the child of this story in which she recounts her daily routine: from getting up, having breakfast or walking to school, to also her games, emotions and feelings.
A large-format book full of tenderness, sensitivity and humour with what she likes and dislikes, what makes her sad or angry, what she dreams and what she fears. A story that deals with the little everyday things that are part of who we are. Young readers will feel understood and connected to their own experiences, while adults will be filled with poignant memories.

Key points

• Children will be able to identify and see themselves reflected with a lot of humour.
• It offers a way to put a name to emotions.
• A story that connects generations.

Leo Ríos

2008 – National Award for Best Literary Works in the Children’s and Young Adult’s Category (Chile)