Since the day he was born, João Miguel has relied on a special instruction manual created by his mother. Constantly updated as he grows, the manual offers guidance for every situation imaginable, helping him navigate life with certainty and safety. But the arrival of Juliana, a lively girl whose family travels with a circus, begins to challenge everything João Miguel believes. As friendship, curiosity, and the unexpected enter his life, both he and his mother must confront the limits of control and rediscover the value of uncertainty.
Written by Tânia Alexandre Martinelli, one of Brazil’s leading contemporary authors for young readers, Manual of the Tightrope Walker Girl combines emotional depth, humor, and lyrical storytelling in a narrative that explores childhood, family relationships, fear, and personal growth. At the heart of the story lies a universal question: how much can we protect the people we love before we prevent them from truly experiencing life?
Sandra Jávera’s illustrations play a central role in creating the book’s distinctive atmosphere. Inspired by the colors, movement, and enchantment of the circus, the artwork brings warmth and energy to every page. The visual project is further enriched by reproductions of João Miguel’s manual, creating a “book within the book” that expands the narrative and reinforces its central themes. Together, text and image celebrate the beauty of taking risks, embracing mystery, and finding balance between security and freedom.
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