The headquarters of the Junta de Freguesia do Pilar da Bretanha, in the municipality of Ponta Delgada, hosted the presentation of the children’s book The Boy Who Didn’t Like to Eat on Saturday, January 24. The event brought together members of the local community alongside figures from the cultural and publishing sectors.

The president of the parish council, Hugo Correia, welcomed attendees, underscoring the local authority’s commitment to supporting culture and homegrown talent. In this close-knit setting, writer Cristina Farias Freire, a native of the parish, introduced her latest literary project to a full house.

Published by Sonho Com Estante, The Boy Who Didn’t Like to Eat—originally released last December—is aimed at children aged 7 to 9. Written in rhyming verse and guided by an uplifting message, the book explores eating habits in a playful, pedagogical way, addressing a common childhood behavioral challenge through a lighthearted lens.

The official presentation was delivered by Ana Isabel d’Arruda, a school teacher, writer, and poet, who shared the emotion of seeing a former student succeed in the literary world. The event also featured a video message from Joana Caetano Vieira, author and CEO of the publishing house, as well as an in-person contribution by Clife Botelho, director of Diário da Lagoa, who emphasized the importance of promoting reading among younger generations.

A dynamic segment of the session was dedicated to children, with Education student Raquel Costa Pedro bringing the story to life in a read-aloud that captivated the young audience. The new title further highlights the vitality of children’s literature in the region, offering families and educators an additional pedagogical resource.

According to a note in her latest book, Cristina Farias Freire has worked for nearly two decades at the CATL of the Casa do Povo de Santo António, where she has accompanied children “with dedication and enthusiasm.” Passionate about writing, she made her debut in 2016 with The Girl Who Danced with the Waves and went on to win a literary contest with the short story A Story to Rock Mischievous Children to Sleep, published by the same press and presented on RTP Açores. The Boy Who Didn’t Like to Eat was inspired by moments shared with her son, Noé, who served as the book’s muse.

In Diário da Lagoa, Clife Botelho-director.