

Award-winning Brazilian author Ana Maria Machado, recipient of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award and one of the most widely translated voices in children’s literature, presents a moving story about music, friendship, and social transformation. First published in 2006, The Boy and the Maestro was selected for the White Ravens Catalogue and received the Highly Recommended seal from FNLIJ.
The story follows Teleco, a talented boy from a hillside community in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who dreams of helping his mother by selling candy on the streets. His life changes when a classical musician and conductor discovers his extraordinary sense of rhythm during a rehearsal of a children’s samba band. An unexpected friendship emerges, opening new opportunities and introducing Teleco to a world where Mozart and samba can coexist.
With remarkable sensitivity, the author addresses themes such as child labor, family separation, social inequality, and the power of mentorship, while celebrating music as a bridge between cultures, generations, and social backgrounds. Teleco’s journey demonstrates how talent can flourish when met with encouragement and opportunity.
Vinicius Sabbato’s illustrations enrich the narrative through dynamic compositions that visually translate sound, rhythm, and the protagonist’s imagination. The book also extends beyond the printed page with QR codes linking to audio and video content, creating a multimedia reading experience that invites young readers to engage directly with music and its transformative potential.
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