Portuguese Short Stories

Mateus wants to give his grandfather a birthday present but has no money. He makes a handmade book of old photos and family memories and learns his grandpa’s favorite song on the guitar. His grandfather calls it the best gift of his life.

Iara lives in a stilt house on the Amazon River and loves watching a pink river dolphin play nearby. When a storm leaves her lost in her little boat, the dolphin appears and guides her home. Every evening she tosses a flower into the river to thank him.

A sleepy volcano covered in trees and home to a monkey village sneezes a puff of smoke when a butterfly tickles his nose. The frightened monkeys learn he’s gentle and only wants to sleep and care for his trees, so they sing him a lullaby.

Lúcia finds a golden pencil that brings her drawings to life. After drawing treats for herself, she sees her classmate Diego crying over a torn backpack and draws him a new one. The pencil glows brighter — the best magic is making others happy.

Olívia, a baby owl, is afraid of the dark. Her father takes her on a night flight to hear crickets and frogs, smell moonflowers and see the stars. Finding no monsters, she flies a little on her own and discovers the night is full of wonders.