Papelucho - Chilean children's literature icon comes to Vietnamese readers

On June 24 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Education Publishing House coordinated with the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam to organize a ceremony to officially announce the children's book series "Papelucho" to Vietnam. The event is part of the cultural cooperation between the two countries, following the success of the first translation launch in December 2024.

At the ceremony, VietnamEducation Publishing House announced plans to release the full set of 12 "Papelucho" books in the near future. The book series is published by Vietnam Education Publishing House and distributed by Phuong Nam Education Investment and Development Joint Stock Company.

Mr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, Chairman of the Board of Members, General Director of Vietnam Education Publishing House spoke at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In his opening speech, Mr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, Chairman of the Board of Members and General Director of Vietnam Education Publishing House affirmed: The launch of the "Papelucho" series is not only a regular publishing event but also a vivid demonstration of the close cultural exchange between Vietnam and Chile through a special bridge - children's literature.

He said that introducing "Papelucho" to young Vietnamese readers not only enriches the children's bookshelf, but also represents a new direction in the product internationalization strategy of the Vietnam Education Publishing House, contributing to bringing Vietnamese readers closer to the cultural quintessence of humanity.

"In the era of integration, children's literature is no longer a border of language or geography but a place to connect young hearts, nurture innocent dreams and arouse humanistic thoughts. "Papelucho" with its diary form and vivid characters will be a valuable companion for Vietnamese students, inspiring them to write their own stories," he said.

Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Sergio Narea speaks at the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Speaking at the event, Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam Sergio Narea said he read the pages of "Papelucho" with his family when he was 8 or 9 years old. He expressed his hope that the same thing will happen in Vietnam, where parents and children will enjoy the fascinating pages of this book together.

“Young readers can relate to the language and emotions of this famous character. The book is not dogmatic and is not intended to educate children like a textbook. It is essentially a children's story, revealing their inner nature, giving the impression of a real-life diary,” the Ambassador said.

Poet Tran Dang Khoa, former Vice President of the Vietnam Writers Association, commented: “Papelucho is a special, engaging book, with many humorous, intelligent and unpredictable details”. He believes that through simple lessons, the work helps children learn naturally, without feeling “lectured”. Readers can discover a new, colorful world . Along with that, through each page of the book, readers also understand the personality, beauty and culture of the Chilean people.

Sisters Pham Truong Bao Vy (12 years old) and Pham Truong Nguyen Khoi (10 years old) were special readers present at the event. Both brought along the entire set of 12 "Papelucho" books in Spanish - a gift from their aunt.

Sisters Pham Truong Bao Vy (far right) and Pham Truong Nguyen Khoi brought the entire "Papelucho" collection in Spanish to the event. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Nguyen Khoi said: “The first time I saw the book "Papelucho" in Spanish in my sister's bookshelf, I was curious to read it and was fascinated. Therefore, my aunt gave me the whole book series.”

Meanwhile, Bao Vy shared: “I read the entire series in Spanish and really loved the character Papelucho because I found myself in him. I am very happy that the series has been translated into Vietnamese, adding to my collection.”

The 12-volume "Papelucho" series by Chilean writer Marcela Paz tells everyday stories from the innocent and delicate perspective of an 8-year-old Chilean boy who is imaginative, humorous, mischievous, yet profound and emotional. He records all his thoughts, experiences and secrets in a diary, which has created a classic work of children's literature, loved in Chile and many other countries.

The series was published in Chile from 1947 to 1974. It was included in the Chilean primary school curriculum and was adapted into stage plays and comics. The character Papelucho was nominated for the Hans Christian Andersen Award from the International Council for Young People's Books in Switzerland.

In Vietnam, readers can buy the Papelucho series at the following locations:

- Phuong Nam Education Investment and Development Joint Stock Company (231 Nguyen Van Cu, District 5, HCMC)

- System of Book and School Equipment Joint Stock Company in provinces and cities;

- Bookstores in Ho Chi Minh City: 231 Nguyen Van Cu, District 5 and 223 Nguyen Tri Phuong, District 5

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/papelucho-icon-of-children's-literature-from-chile-to-Vietnamese-doctors-214415.html