A new chapter of internationalization at 93

Ruth Rocha is a Brazilian children’s literature author. With over 50 years of career, she has published 200 books, sold 40 million copies, and her works have been translated into more than 25 languages.Throughout her career, Ruth Rocha has won over 50 awards, including eight Jabuti Prizes, the most important literary award in Brazil. She is also a member of the Hans Christian Andersen Award Honours List, one of the highest international recognitions in children’s literature. Additionally, the writer is a member of the São Paulo Academy of Letters and was awarded the Commendation of the Order of Cultural Merit in recognition of her valuable contribution to Brazilian culture.

With over 200 published titles, around 40 million copies sold, and 50 years of career, Ruth Rocha has established herself as one of the leading names in children’s literature. Her works, translated into 25 languages, include classics like “Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo,” “O Reizinho Mandão”, “Quem TemMedo de Quê?” and “Bom Dia, Todas as Cores”.

Being at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2024 was a very special milestone for me. At 93 years old and with over 50 years of my career, I feel like I’m entering a new phase: the internationalization of my work. Seeing my books featured at this grand event, which brings together writers, publishers, and readers from around the world, fills me with pride and emotion. For the first time, my work was given a special place at Frankfurt, and this is part of a careful effort to further expand the reach of what I’ve written over they ears.

Journey as an author

When I started writing, so many decades ago, I never imagined that my books, like Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo and O Reizinho Mandão, would travel so far. With over 40 million copies sold and translations into more than 25 languages, I’m amazed to think about how these stories have reached so many children around the world. And now, with the support of my family, especially my daughter Mariana, we’re taking a new step to bring these stories to places they haven’t yet reached.

This new chapter in my journey comes after a year of great achievements. I renewed my contract with Salamandra for another 15 years and launched the Come cinho Collection, inspired by my grand children, by Editora Global. I also had the joy of seeing Marcelo, Marmelo, Martelo published in Portugal and the United States, and of announcing a partnership with the beloved Mauricio de Sousa. All of this reinforces the idea that literature is alive, constantly evolving, and I feel like I’m part of that transformation.

Experience at Frankfurt

Being in Frankfurt and seeing my work received with so much warmth was moving. I’ve always believed that literature has the power to cross borders, and being present at this event showed me that the stories I write still have much to say, whether in Brazil or anywhere else in the world.

Internationalization of works

Throughout my career, I’ve always strived to write about topics that are essential for children’s development, such as human rights, freedom of expression, and sustainability. It’s gratifying to see that these subjects, which we address in Brazilian schools, can now be discussed in different cultural contexts. The internationalization of my work is, for me, an opportunity to continue conversing with the world, to share with other cultures what I believeis fundamental for shaping future generations.

I’m excited to see where these stories will go next. The future seems vast, full of possibilities, and I’m grateful to be able to experience this moment.