Originally published in France as In the Footsteps of Don Quixote, this wordless journey takes readers through Spain’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. From Gaudí’s towering Sagrada Familia to quiet nods to Picasso, Velázquez, and Dali, every scene is packed with detail. Kids will enjoy spotting fairy tale characters and historical surprises like the Santa Maria. Anno’s notes at the back offer helpful context while inviting readers to explore and discover on their own.
First published in France, this book was titled In the Footsteps of Don Quixote-fitting for our hero tracing the path of the chivalrous Don Quixote tilting at windmills! And yet there is so much more here; Anno leads his readers through scenes rich with historical, literary, artistic, and architectural beauty.
Here the revolutionary genius of Antoni Gaudi is displayed with Sagrada Familia's tallest tower complete, and masterpieces by Picasso, Dali, and Velazquez are woven subtly into the landscape. The youngest readers will delight to discover Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and Columbus's Santa Maria anchored just offshore. The adventure beckons the curious to take this delightful journey through Spain's rich and varied landscape.
In addition to the beautiful scenes, the author has included notes in the back of the book that explain his journey and much of the detail in each scene, while still allowing the reader to discover things on their own. These notes draw out the various features of each scene which helps to teach the reader about Spanish history and culture.
About the Author
Mitsumasa Anno is the winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award for his lasting contribution to children's literature, and is a lover of travel and culture. Anno's books, through their unique perspective and mischievous sense of humor, have opened to children across the world, cultures and lands distant from their own. Without words Anno conveys the beauty, humanity, and value of all people in all times and places. As he notes, There are differences in people, different styles of housing, social differences, different cultures all over the world. But perhaps what lies at the bottom of the heart of each human being is the same, an inherent value.
Born in Tsuwano in 1926, in Western Japan, Mr. Anno studied both art and mathematics before teaching mathematics at a school in Tokyo for ten years. He has written and illustrated over 20 books for children. He makes his home in a suburb of Tokyo. He is married and has two children.
