The author Otavio Junior grew up in a Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil's largest cities in a favela. A favela is a district not managed by the government but by the people who live there. In From My Window Junior shares his childhood with readers in a treasured book just as he shared treasured books with the people of his favela by opening the first library! From the vantage point of his window he sees, absorbs and shares countless sights and sounds. Some are ominous but, most are colorful, joyous, full of hope and wonderous to behold. Children string tin can “telephones” to talk, enjoy music, rhymes and poetry. The illustrations are an inviting patchwork of vibrant life. The impoverished favela does have rainy days, leaky roofs and startling sounds at times but, it is full of caring neighbors, rainbows and voices seeking each other out. #ownvoicesstory

Cybil Award Nominee 2021, A Junior Library Guild Selection 2020, Outstanding International Books List 2021, Américas Award commended title, 2021.

Author lives in Brazil.

Brazil. Originally published in Portuguese as Da minha janela by Stephanie Barrouillet, S.B. Rights Agency in 2018. English translation by Beatriz C Dias published in the United States by Barefoot Books in 2018.

What do you see from your window? This #OwnVoices picture book from Brazil offers a first-hand view of what children growing up in the favelas of Rio de Janiero see everyday. A vibrant and diverse celebration of urban community living, brought to life by unique, colorful illustrations that juxtapose brick buildings with lush jungle plants.