

From the famous Saci-Pererê, Werewolf, Headless Mule, and Boto to lesser-known figures such as Teniaguá, Poronominare, Arranca-Língua, Anhangá, and Pisadeira, Abc of Characters in Brazilian Folklore presents more than 140 legendary beings that inhabit Brazil’s collective imagination. Drawing from Indigenous, African, and European traditions, the book offers a fascinating journey through one of the country’s richest forms of intangible cultural heritage, revealing the origins, characteristics, stories, and transformations of folkloric figures that have been passed down through generations.
Written by Januária Cristina Alves, a journalist, researcher, and two-time Jabuti Prize winner, the volume is the result of one of the most comprehensive investigations ever undertaken on Brazilian folklore. Combining rigorous research with engaging literary writing, the book functions simultaneously as an encyclopedia, a cultural guide, and a collection of extraordinary stories. Readers can explore the entries in any order, discovering characters drawn from oral traditions, literature, popular culture, and regional legends from across Brazil.
A major highlight of the project is the artwork by illustrator Berje, whose imagery is inspired by mythology, fantasy literature, and fantastic creatures. His richly detailed illustrations create a striking visual universe that expands the book beyond a traditional reference work, transforming it into an immersive experience. Blending scholarship, storytelling, and visual sophistication, Abc of Characters in Brazilian Folklore is both a valuable cultural resource and an invitation to explore the myths, legends, and imaginary beings that continue to shape Brazilian identity.
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Highly Recommended: Informative Book

(Brazilian section of IBBY)