Reinações de Narizinho

Reinações de Narizinho by Monteiro Lobato was one of the first books I ever read on my own. According to Wikipedia, its English title is The Adventures of Lúcia Little Nose. The story filled my imagination with whimsical adventures and unforgettable characters. Looking back, I understand why it sparked my love for reading—it showed me that imagination has no limits. With a beautifully written tale, the mind can travel anywhere.

The characters

Narizinho is a clever seven-year-old girl with a turned-up nose. She lives in the countryside with her grandmother, Dona Benta. Tia Nastácia, their kind housemaid and resourceful cook, also lives with them. Her cousin Pedrinho lives in São Paulo and spends his school vacations at the ranch. He often goes on adventures and hunting expeditions. Among the most memorable characters is Emília, a rag doll who becomes opinionated and talkative after swallowing a “talking pill.” Then there’s Visconde de Sabugosa. He is a puppet made from a corncob. After being forgotten in the library, he becomes a self-taught scholar with a noble title.

The setting

The Yellow Woodpecker Ranch (Sítio do Picapau Amarelo) is where most of the magic happens. From there, the characters travel to fantastical places. These include the underwater Kingdom of Clear Waters. They also visit Ancient Greece and even outer space. It’s like the Pevensie siblings stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia. However, in this case, the portal is the imagination itself. Still, many of the most memorable scenes take place right on the ranch. There, Dona Benta and Tia Nastácia share many stories that fuel even more adventures.

The stories

Many chapters in Reinações de Narizinho first appeared as short stories in magazines. They were later compiled into the book. As a child, they felt like the perfect tales—colorful, imaginative, and endlessly surprising. And it wasn’t just me who felt that way: Monteiro Lobato wrote 23 books in the series and became one of the most influential children’s authors in Brazil. His works entered the public domain in 2019, which makes them more accessible today through platforms like Wikisource.

Revisiting Reinações de Narizinho as an adult, I see more clearly the genius behind Monteiro Lobato’s creation. His blend of folklore, fantasy, and subtle social commentary offered children a world where anything was possible. In this world, curiosity was always rewarded. For me, this book was more than just a childhood favorite. It was a gateway into the joy of reading and the power of storytelling. And maybe that’s the true magic of the Yellow Woodpecker Ranch. Once you’ve been there, part of you never really leaves.