Kiwi publisher brings Brazilian children’s classic to New Zealand
Rio de Janeiro author Diego Albuquerque lands in New Zealand on Monday 16 June to promote the English translation of his
classic book Branquinho, O Dognauta by Auckland publisher Peter Dowling
As the World Cup focuses attention on Brazil, Auckland-based Libro International is celebrating the vibrant culture and
writing of the great South American nation.
Published today, Snowy the Doganaut is the first English edition of a classic children’s book, written as a boy by Rio
de Janeiro author Diego Albuquerque.
Peter Dowling, who learned Portuguese in northeastern Brazil in 1990, translated the work after signing English rights
from Rio-based publisher Gisela Zincone at last year’s Frankfurt Book Fair.
“New Zealanders and Brazilians share a sense of tolerance and openness,” he said. “Diego’s hilarious book shows young
readers about accepting difference in others through the story of a strange dog from Pluto who comes to Rio in a UFO.
“This bestselling book can showcase a little of Brazil’s rich culture, beyond the fabulous soccer and samba that will be
on our TV screens for the next month.”
Diego Albuquerque will be appearing at public events and in schools in Auckland, Wellington and the Waikato during his
one-week visit.
Snowy the Doganaut will be officially launched at the Embassy of Brazil in Wellington on 19 June.
Snowy the Doganaut
Diego Albuquerque
Illustrated by Felipe Vellozo
Translated by Peter Dowling
ISBN: 978-1-877514-62-3 | 32 pages, colour | RRP $19.99
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