The magic of words...

We use words to communicate with other people, understand them and make them understand us. But the magical power of words goes far beyond this simple exchange.

Through words, we express our feeling and our emotions, we let our imagination travel to the end of our dreams and to the limits of our creativity.

Don't ever deny your children the wonderful joy of experiencing the universe of words, buy them books and tell them stories even at their early childhood. Books exist in all shapes and formats, for every people's liking and age.

Books will bring children knowledge on various subjects, on different people and cultures. In a word, books will contribute to a wealth of useful information, thereby making young readers aware of the important role of reading, possibly also awaking in them hidden vocations and other natural aptitudes that could otherwise stay for ever ignored.

Through books, children get to know other worlds and cultures they were not familiar with. Books are like bridges connecting people and overpassing borders, should these be geographic, religious, economical or of a different nature.

To rouse your children's curiosity for learning, invite them to visit my kids' website Barry4kids and to meet Barry, Bobbyuka, Benfica and other pet heroes of my children's stories. Let them play a character in Penguin and the Fig tree, Piloto e Lassie, Cat and Dog, or in any other of my children's plays. Children love animals! Make them acquainted with worldwide legends and folktales, and help them be creative by reading the wonderful poems written by other children like them.

There are stories your children can read alone; others that you can read or retell them with your own words. These wonderful moments will be for ever imprinted in their memories. Make your children discover the wonderful universe of words!

Legends and folk tales for reading:

	Nothing more than nothing A short tale that makes us think about Peace in the world. Drawings by Ana Lorvão. UP
	The Little Ladybird Portuguese folk tale (illustrated and retold) about a few naughty human weaknesses such as gluttony... UP
	The Legend of Coffee An Ethiopian legend that tells how the coffee plant was discovered by a shepherd boy (illustrated and retold). (This text was awarded a first prize in a literary contest) UP
	The Little Red Hen A Russian folk tale on friendship and sharing (illustrated and retold). UP
	A Hindu Legend A philosophical tale about mankind (illustrated and retold). UP

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