27 Jan 2023
5 Children's Books in Brazilian Portuguese to Learn Portuguese
If you've interested in learning a new language, read children's books in Brazilian Portuguese, as you've surely heard somewhere. The assumption is that since such books were intended for young readers, they must be simple. After all, kids only get the simple things, right?
There is no denying that contemporary children's books are simple. Phrases are more common in children's novels.
The authors of such books typically pay attention to the language they use because most of those books are written for young children, whose understanding of the world is only beginning to develop. Although they occasionally provide the kids with challenges, they generally do so with consideration. You may assume that they will only have a basic vocabulary with some additions in this situation.
The written language differs from the spoken language, which brings us to our third point. Children lack your expertise as a voracious reader. This indicates that the authors frequently stick to shorter, simpler phrases and paragraphs.
But can a novice like me go right into children's books in Brazilian Portuguese?
I seriously doubt that if we're talking about the masterpieces on this list.
According to the Brazilian culture, both adults and children should enjoy and comprehend children's novels. There are no sacrifices; even though the vocabulary may be easier, the complexity is still present.
Some novels may be more or less difficult to grasp if you are multilingual.
And once more, if you're just getting started, these volumes will be too much for you to handle.
But for the time being, all I can advise is practice. You can use lessons with online Portuguese tutor for kids for practice, for example https://livexp.com/online-tutors/portuguese-for-kids.
You'll note that the list is brief, there are just five novels.
1. Ziraldo — Menino Maluquinho
Brazilians in the 1990s learned to recognize "O Menino Maluquinho," also known as "the cray-cray youngster." It was a "charge," which is pronounced "sharzh," a type of painting that condenses a message, typically one that is political or humorous in tone. To aid youngsters in learning Portuguese and reading comprehension, "charges" are regularly seen in newspapers' funnies section and in Portuguese textbooks.
On a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being exceedingly tough, I would rate it as 4 out of 5.
2. Ruth Rocha's "Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo"
Some kids are more naturally curious than others.
How come the sky is blue? What causes rain to fall?
Imagine a little child who wonders why a word has the meaning it has.
The charming tale Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo was penned by Ruth Rocha, a well-known Brazilian children's book author.
I would rate it as a 2/5.
3. Graciliano Ramos' A Terra dos Meninos Pelados
Why don't we all have the same rights? Raimundo is puzzled.
Raimundo has one blue and one black eye by coincidence. He is also bald.
He gets to know the other people. They help him understand that being unique is alright.
On a scale of 1 to 5, it is a course that receives a 5.
4. Sylvia Orthof as Outras in Maria Vai Com as
Another often used expression is "maria vai com as outras," which refers to someone who doesn't have their own thoughts. They carry out the group's directives and obey any commands they receive.
When Brazil was still a Portuguese colony, this phrase first appeared. It is well renowned throughout the nation.
I'll give this book a 2.5. Some special terminology you'll discover there accounts for the 0.5.
5. Chico Buarque's Chapeuzinho Amarelo
Chapeuzinho Amarelo is a girl who is terrified of everything, unlike little red riding hood, who is noted for being adventurous and interested.
Even her own shadow makes her nervous!
It receives a 3/5 from me.