Noticias
Presented at FILIJ
Oliver Jeffers reveals how to live on Earth in his latest book, Here we are
November 10, 2018On its first day of activities, the 2018 International Children's and Young People's Book Fair (FILIJ, for its acronym in Spanish) was adorned with the presence of one of the children's favorite authors, Australian writer and illustrator Oliver Jeffers.
At the 38th edition of the FILIJ, whose Guests of Honor are Asia-Pacific community and the state of Sinaloa, the author now living in Brooklyn, came to present his latest book Here We Are: Notes for living on planet Earth.
From early morning, people in great spirits were waiting to meet and listen to one of the spoiled authors of the child public, who with his charisma and simplicity did not definitely disappoint in an entertaining talk.
Oliver Jeffers pointed out that he likes to tell stories and draw and that all his stories are true, as he revealed himself to be a "professional liar for children".
His most recent book: Here we are, published by the Economic Culture Fund (FCE, for its acronym in Spanish) in the collection A la orilla del viento (At the edge of the wind), is dedicated to his son Harland who was just two months old when Jeffers wrote it.
After the birth of his baby, three years ago, the author realized that the baby knew nothing and that he had to teach him everything, so he decided to write the book that tells a very simple story of what it is to live on planet Earth.
The volume, he said to the crowded audience, tells in detail that the planet is made of land, with mountains for example, water in the seas and a sky full of stars.
But the most important thing is that it explains to children that they are first and foremost people, among 7 billion human beings who inhabit the world and that we all want the same thing: to be loved.
“Here we are it’s a book for everyone, no matter where they come from or what they do, and it aims to make the world understand”, said Oliver Jeffers.
For this reason, it also talks about the body and reminds children to take care of it because most of its components do not grow back and that there are animals that, like people, come in many shapes, sizes and colors.
Young readers will also learn about aspects of everyday life such as daytime and nighttime activities, but above all, remember that you will never be alone on Earth.
The author of such successful books as: The Incredible Book Eating Boy, The Mysterious Case of the Bear, How to Catch a Star, The Day the Crayons Quit, and The Heart and the Bottle, entertained children and adults with his witticisms.
Oliver Jeffers showed his virtuosity in drawing, portraying a small part of the public and even giving tips on how to write a book.
To those interested in becoming writers, he warned them that they should always carry paper and pencil, since you never know when the ideas will come and they are usually presented when you are in the shower.
Additionally, he said that to start telling a story they can put an elephant, if it doesn't work they can add wings to make it a flying elephant and if that doesn't work either they can burn it.
After the fun talk, Oliver Jeffers gave himself time to live with the little readers and sign their books, which are on sale at the FILIJ at a price of 220 pesos.
In its 38th edition, the FILIJ will continue until Monday, November 19, with an extensive program of activities that include editorial presentations, magic and juggling, readings to share, storytelling, workshops, magical adventures and songs and rhythms in motion.
The appointment is from 10:00 to 19:00 hours in the Bicentennial Park, located on Avenida 5 de Mayo 290, colonia San Lorenzo Tlaltenango, Miguel Hidalgo of Mexico City and entry is free.
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