The Blue Princess and the Hidden Happiness
A magnificent fable about the power of the heart, friendship, and love, showing that «what you seek is within you.» Based on her personal experience at school as a sensitive, artistic girl who lacked self-confidence because she compared herself to others and struggled in some subjects.
A tool to help parents and educators talk to children about the suffering and pain caused by discrimination, injustice, and cruelty, serving as a prevention against bullying in schools.
The title is part of the National Reading Plan of Portuguese schools and was supported by the writer and psychiatrist Lobo Antunes, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, and the President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Through delicate stories and colourful illustrations, it teaches children to love themselves and discover the value of being unique, addressing issues such as inclusion and bullying in a subtle and universal way.
Fifty percent of the first edition book’s royalties were destined to help children with Down’s Syndrome through the group Pais 21.
«Lately, I have understood that only I could have changed my life. When I ended up alone and brilliant blue in one of the forgotten halls of the Palace, I realised that no one would save me. We are the greatest responsible for our destiny».
«Happiness is knowing how to live with the problems and obstacles that appear on our path and, even so, be happy and grateful. We all exist for a special reason. We are all unique, and for this reason alone we should be grateful. There is no one in the entire kingdom who is like us».