An icon of Chilean children's literature comes to Vietnam.

Marcela Paz's classic Chilean children's book series "Papelucho," considered an icon of Chilean children's literature, has officially been released to Vietnamese readers.

The classic Chilean children's book "Papelucho".

This series is a collaborative effort between the Vietnam Education Publishing House and the Chilean Embassy, ​​and published by Phuong Nam Education Investment and Development Joint Stock Company. It is also the first long-running children's literature series from Chile to be translated and published in Vietnam. The launch of this series is part of the cultural cooperation between the two countries, following the success of the launch of the first translation in December 2024.

"Papelucho" consists of 12 volumes, recounting everyday stories from the innocent and insightful perspective of an 8-year-old Chilean boy – imaginative, humorous, mischievous, yet profound and emotional. He records all his thoughts, experiences, and secrets in a diary, thus forming a classic children's literary work, beloved in Chile and many other countries.

The exhibition displays the first three volumes of the series released in Vietnam.

Author Marcela Paz has created a character who is not a stereotypical ideal but is as authentic as any ordinary child – capable of anger, capable of debating, but always yearning for love and understanding.

What makes "Papelucho" special is its diary format – intimate, easy to read, and inspiring for children to write their own stories.

The series has a lively, natural, and unpretentious writing style, making it approachable and giving readers the feeling of reading the diary of a real 8-year-old child.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Chile to Vietnam, Sergio Narea Guzman, stated that the "Papelucho" series is the greatest classic work of Chilean children's literature.

Marcela Paz is the pen name of the writer Esther Huneeus. She began writing her first children's book in the 1930s, in the form of a diary, prioritizing the emotions of young children. Almost ten years later, in 1947, thanks to a literary competition, the book was published. It has been reprinted many times since due to its innovative style.

“Young readers empathize with the language and emotions of this unique character. The book is not dogmatic and is not intended to educate children like a textbook. Essentially, these are children's novels that reveal the inner nature of children, giving the impression of a real-life diary,” said the Ambassador.

The covers of the books were displayed at the book launch event.

Ambassador Sergio Narea Guzman stated that Papelucho is an 8-year-old boy with unruly hair, a slender build, large teeth, and who is somewhat different from a typical model child: argumentative and introspective, cheerful and optimistic, always protective of his siblings and friends, and who writes his experiences and thoughts in his diary. This boy makes us laugh and also makes us reflect on good and bad attitudes in society.

Papelucho – the boy with a vivid imagination, a sensitive soul, and a witty way of speaking – has become an icon of childhood for generations of Chilean readers.

Bringing this series closer to Vietnamese readers, especially children, not only helps them access a treasure trove of rich cultural identity, but also opens up opportunities for them to explore , empathize, and develop their thinking through simple yet profound stories.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, General Director of Vietnam Education Publishing House.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, General Director of Vietnam Education Publishing House, said that the translated and published book series in Vietnam is the result of a positive and goodwill cooperation between Vietnam Education Publishing House, the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam, and the Phuong Nam Education Investment and Development Joint Stock Company – the official distributor of the book series.

“The Vietnam Education Publishing House, with nearly 70 years of accompanying the national education cause, has always placed the mission of spreading knowledge and nurturing the character of the younger generation at the forefront. Introducing Papelucho to young Vietnamese readers not only aims to enrich the children's book collection, but also demonstrates a new direction in the internationalization strategy of its products, bringing Vietnamese readers closer to the cultural essence of humanity,” affirmed the General Director of the Vietnam Education Publishing House.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, Director General of Vietnam Education Publishing House, presented flowers and a commemorative gift to the Ambassador of Chile, Sergio Narea Guzman.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Thanh also believes that, in the era of integration, children's literature is no longer a boundary of language or geography – but a place to connect the hearts of young children, nurture innocent dreams, and inspire humanistic reflections.

Papelucho – with its diary format and vivid characters – will be a valuable companion for Vietnamese students, inspiring them to write their own stories.

Poet Tran Dang Khoa, Vice President of the Vietnam Writers Association , shared at the launch event that this is a meaningful collaboration between the Chilean Embassy and the Vietnam Education Publishing House, beginning with an extremely famous work - Papelucho.

These books, which originated in the 1940s, still retain their appeal and freshness in every word – as if the author had only written them recently. That is truly remarkable.

Poet Tran Dang Khoa believes that writing for children is one of the biggest challenges for writers, because writers not only need to understand children but also empathize with adults.

"A true children's book is one that both children and adults can find enjoyment in reading. Because within every child lies a developing adult, and within every adult exists a child who never grows old. Papelucho is such a work, both innocent and pure, yet profound and full of humanity," he said, using a metaphor.

That is why the book has become a part of the childhood memories of many generations of Chilean readers, and today, it will begin its journey to young Vietnamese readers.

According to LINH KHÁNH (Nhan Dan Newspaper)

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/bieu-tuong-cua-van-hoc-thieu-nhi-chile-den-viet-nam-a423098.html