Created to scare crows away from a cornfield in the countryside of Minas Gerais, a state in southeastern Brazil, Amália soon discovers that she is unable to fulfill her purpose. Instead of fearing the birds, she is fascinated by them. As she observes the world around her, the scarecrow begins to ask questions that no one expected: What is beauty? What is kindness? Why do people suffer? What does it mean to be alive? Her search for answers gradually transforms a simple scarecrow into a deeply human character embarking on a journey of self-discovery.

Written by psychologist, writer, and illustrator Majori Claro, Amália: the Scarecrow is a lyrical coming-of-age novel that intertwines fantasy, philosophy, and poetry. Inspired by the work of Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, whose verses are woven throughout the narrative, the book explores identity, friendship, bullying, ethics, and the desire to understand the world. Through Amália’s innocent yet profound perspective, readers are invited to reflect on their own place in life and on the values that shape human experience.

Anna Anjos’s illustrations complement the story’s poetic atmosphere, while the dialogue between prose and poetry creates one of the book’s most distinctive features. Fernando Pessoa’s work is not merely referenced but becomes an integral part of Amália’s awakening, guiding her understanding of nature, emotions, and existence itself. Blending literary sophistication with emotional accessibility, Amália: the Scarecrow offers a thoughtful and imaginative reading experience that celebrates curiosity, empathy, and the transformative power of poetry.