A book to read with the kids: today's recommendation from Gretel Nájera, from Pantuflas Libros

Gretel Nájera 's life contains books, though they weren't always her own. First, she read the ones lent to her at the Brandsen Public Library . Later, she read the ones she earned through her Sociology degree and teacher training. And now, she's distributing them through Pantuflas Libros , a children's book club and online bookstore she created with her partner. "Reading with others is a way to build bonds ," she tells Clarín .

Gretel lived in São Paulo for a few years while pursuing a master's degree in Social and Human Sciences at the Federal University of ABC in São Paulo, Brazil, researching film and dictatorship. In addition to her classes, she devoted herself to studying a bit of film and children's literature. It was there, seeing successful experiences in the field, that the idea of a reading club was born. By then, she had already met João Coutinho, her partner in life and in the project of sharing readings.

Pantuflas Libros is a club that sends specially selected books to its readers' homes each month in exchange for a subscription. They've already sent 12,500 books to 720 readers of all ages. " We know the power of the world of books to develop the imagination . In a time of screen dominance, literature forces us to be patient, to give the story time, to go back and forth over what we've left unfinished, to concentrate. We believe deep down that reading is a magic key, or perhaps many keys that open many doors to infinite worlds..." explains the Pantuflas website.

When she imagines herself as a child again, Nájera sees herself reading Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren : "Because she is free, because she dares to question everything, because she doesn't need anyone's approval to do what she likes," she says.

And at Clarín 's request, Gretel reviews the role of books in her life and recommends two must-reads.

–If you were a kid now, what book would you never miss?

–I really like Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren today. Because she's free, because she dares to question everything, because she doesn't need anyone's approval to do what she loves. She lives alone in a house with a horse and a monkey, and that's enough to imagine a thousand adventures. She's strong, but also sensitive. And I still believe that literature lets us live other lives, and that's spectacular.

–What do you remember from your childhood readings?

–When I was a girl, I read a lot. My mom gave me books from the Billiken and Robin Hood collections, but I found the best at the Brandsen Public Library. There was everything there: encyclopedias, I Know Everything, classic novels, unexpected treasures. The librarian was instrumental in my love of reading—I will be eternally grateful to her.

–How did the idea for the Pantuflas Libros bookstore come about?

The idea for creating Pantuflas Libros was born while helping friends choose books for their children. During those searches, I realized that, a few years ago, finding good books for children was quite lonely. There weren't many specialized bookstores or staff well-versed in the world of children's books. What was missing was someone who could guide and make knowledgeable and enthusiastic recommendations. While living in São Paulo, I learned about incredible experiences with book clubs and bookstores dedicated exclusively to children. There, I also specialized in picture books and began to imagine that something like this could work in Argentina. That's how this project took shape: as a way to bring valuable books to more families and support them on the path of shared reading.

–Why are you maintaining the project?

–Because I continue to believe that reading with others—especially during childhood—is a powerful way to build bonds, imagine futures, and expand the world.