When the gypsy Carmelita loses a tiny bottle containing all the sadness in the world, she sets off on an extraordinary quest to find it. Accompanied by the knight Montaria and his transparent horse made of crystal-clear water, she travels across fantastical landscapes, including monkey islands, mysterious caves in the middle of the ocean, and encounters with mermaids, elves, and other magical beings. Along the way, the travelers discover that the bottle’s contents have spilled into the sea, revealing a poetic explanation for why ocean water is salty like tears.

Written by Sylvia Orthof, one of the most inventive and celebrated voices in Brazilian children’s literature, The Transparent Horse showcases the imagination, humor, and poetic language that made her a landmark author. With more than 120 published works spanning fiction, poetry, and theater, Orthof creates a story that effortlessly blends fantasy, adventure, folklore, and wordplay while inviting readers to reflect on emotions, freedom, and the transformative power of imagination.

Illustrated by Suppa, this edition brings together, for the first time, both the original story and its theatrical adaptation, including the songs and musical scores that expand the narrative beyond the page. The interplay of prose, verse, drama, and visual storytelling creates a richly layered reading experience, while literary references to figures such as Rocinante and Fernando Pessoa add further depth. Through its unique combination of fantasy, poetry, and performance, The Transparent Horse invites readers to embark on a magical journey where sorrow, wonder, and creativity travel side by side.