Spain (Catalan)
153
Alapont, Pasqual (text)
Molinero, David (illus.)
L'ovella negra (The black sheep)
Barcelona : Edebé, 2001. - 136 p.
(Periscopi ; 54)
ISBN 84-236-5766-3
Family - Tradition - Independence - Self-realisation
Reportedly, it isn't easy to rebel against long-standing family traditions.
Nevertheless, that is what seventeen-year-old Hermņgenes does, when he decides
to become an archaeologist instead of going into the medical profession. He
studies History and jobs part-time as a baby-sitter when the parents' stop to
give him financial support. His determination to pursue his goal, as well as the
relationship to the child he baby-sits and its mother are the foundations for
Hermņgenes' self-assertion and self-realisation. The author relates the
protagonist's process of emancipation and reaching maturity with humour and
ease. His concise rendering of character is excellent and reveals deep
psychological insight. (14+)
(Premio Edebé de Literatura Juvenil ; 2001)
154
Comella, Maria Ąngels / Kirilova, Romi / Seix, Mercč
Bon dia, senyor Tąpies! (Hello, Mr. Tįpies!)
Barcelona : Serres, 2001. - [28] p.
ISBN 84-95040-97-2
Tąpies, Antoni Arts
Because this book presents only a well-dosed number of facts about the life
and work of the Catalan artist Antoni Tąpies, it can be considered to be more
of a picture book than a non-fiction title. Euląlia, a curious, art-loving
cartoon-girl and great fan of Tąpies, takes us on a little journey through his
paintings, sculptures, and objects. She approaches the works of art with her
naturalness and presents them to the reader from her own perspective. She, in
turn, is amused, surprised, or perplexed by the individual works. Thanks to the
happy choice of the child's perspective (seemingly) granting immediate access to
Tąpies' work, this attractive and inspiring book may succeed in breaking down
the barriers between children and the »Great Masters« of Modern Art. (7+)
155
Duran, Teresa (text)
Rubio, Gabriela (illus.)
Secrets de la selva fosca
(Secrets of the dark forest)
Barcelona : Ed. Cruļlla, 2001. - 60 p.
([El vaixell de vapor / Sčrie blanca] ; 35)
ISBN 84-661-0081-4
City - Metropolis - Everyday life - Imagination Jungle
In this original story, the powers of a child's imagination transform the
hustle and bustle of a big city into a marvellous adventure. Miguel, the
protagonist, pictures himself and his parents surviving the dangers and
surprises of a unique jungle. He is impressed that his father rides a four-wheel
stallion to the palace every day, where he creates mountains of delicious cakes.
And he admires his mother, who, every morning, tames a sub-terranean iron-dragon
that winds its way through the underworld. The short, entertaining text is
accompanied by many colour illustrations that creatively explore the gap between
reality and imagination. (6+)