Terry Costa, the creator of Miss Néveda, illustrated by Vera Bettencourt, returned to Pico in time to celebrate World Book Day at Livraria Companhia das Ilhas. After a tour of Massachusetts, which visited 21 locations in the state, the puppet, stuffed animals, and large illustrated books will be presented at the bookshop in Lajes do Pico for children and the general public.

“We’re celebrating World Book Day in our only bookshop on the island,” admits Terry Costa. “During the day, we have the support of Lajes do Pico Town Hall, transporting the children from the ATL to visit the bookshop and the program we have planned for this special day. And in the late afternoon of April 23rd, the event is open to the general public.”

As for the tour of Uncle Sam’s land, between bookstores, library readings, and visits to unique spaces, the character and his books have managed to attract new audiences from Boston to Cape Cod. “The United States is a giant land,” says the author. “We traveled more than 900 km and visited 21 different places, always in the same state. From small bookstores to giant independent spaces built with a lot of love, it was one of those educational trips that is always worthwhile. You learn a lot while sharing your work, your ideals and your islands.”

Néveda’s adventures have plans to visit various parts of mainland Portugal this spring and launch the third book this year, while new stories and illustrators are planning other works for future publications.

www.nevedapico.com

From MisatecArts Press Release

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publications at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks the Luso-American Education Foundation for their support.