ACHUKA Book of the Day 1 Oct 2025
“Andruetto has used family history to create a gorgeous and powerful homage to the power of books and friendship in this stunningly illustrated book. Each double page spread conveys emotions that are not always articulated in the spare text. This is truly a book where one ‘reads’ the pictures.” ALibraryLady
“A stunning ode to the power of books, friendship, and the authentically lived life.” KIRKUS
“A quietly brave, deeply humane book that trusts its readers and honours its source.” BfK
“Artistic and thought-provoking, this book is one that will encourage reflection in children with each reading.” SLJ
This is the story of my mother and her friend Juan, of how she discovered books and he the light of day.
So begins Clara and the Man With Books in His Window. In this beautifully illustrated book, set in rural 1920s Argentina, Hans Christian Andersen Award–winning author María Teresa Andruetto shares the true story of how her mother, Clara, the daughter of a poor laundress, meets Juan, a wealthy and bookish recluse who never leaves his house because he is afraid society will not accept who he really is.
A powerful tale about friendship and about the world available to us when we open a book, but also when we have the courage to be our true selves, Clara and the Man With Books in His Window was selected by the ALIJA and the Fundación Cuatro Gatos as the best book of the year. Now available for the first time in English, it is destined to transfix readers young and old.
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Clara and the Man With Books in His Window by Maria Teresa Andruetto illustrated by Martina Trach translated by Elisa Amado
A tender story of friendship, courage and books. Perfect for #WorldKidLitMonth @worldkidlit https://t.co/XS1SSx1Ow6— Anne Thompson (@Alibrarylady) September 17, 2025
Lovely book with a great message about books. #Bookshttps://t.co/QISHjYa2xn
— Paul Watson (@PaulWat5) July 20, 2025
“Nothing is untranslatable,” says Elisa Amado, Guatemala-born #translator of “Clara and the Man with Books in His Window” by Hans Christian Andersenhttps://t.co/zfEKQbfWwk
via @quillandquire pic.twitter.com/qc3sw8i7S9— Catharine Cellier-Smart – FR to ENG Translator (@Smart_Translate) May 20, 2025
Another beautiful choice from @GreystoneKids By Maria Andruetyo, illus. by Martina Trach & translated by Elisa Amado, ‘This is the story of my mother & her friend Juan, of how she discovered books & he, the light of day.’
I thought this was a beautiful story & loved Trach’s art pic.twitter.com/9RRHj7AQ0k
— Mathew Tobin (@Mat_at_Brookes) April 20, 2025
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