Here's my words of gratitude to this incredible artist and educator whose words and drawings were the first contact with reading and
literature of many people out there, past, present and future. To simply say Ziraldo was THE man is not enough. Through his countless artistic creations revolving
on childhood memories, and even social/politial works, he revealed a world of possibilities, fantasy and inspired many other talents who
followed his steps and legacy. And hearing the man talking about any possible subject was always fascinating, his enthusiasm for everything and
the many people he worked with, other great cartoonists and artists, it was always special almost as if seeing a child talking.
In this special documentary, Ziraldo talks about his childhood memories and how they served as inspirational material for many of his
works (including the memorable "Menino Maluquinho"), and also a little about his early days while becoming a cartoonist/writer, a major
life passion. There's a little of acting involved with two actors who play him at a young age but they're just there to fit the narration described by José Mayer and there's no major interaction on their part.
What made my heart fill with pleasure and my eyes twinkle in delight was hearing all his thoughts about the importance of reading and
writing, and the cause of education. Reading, as he viewed, should be considered as people's sixth sense since without it a person is not
fully developed, it's vital - yet it always gets underappreciated or given little importance as he says that the problem comes from the fact
that schools hardly ever find a way for young children and teenagers to love and embrace reading, it's something that feels "forced" upon
students and once they grow they feel "free" from reading as an obligation. I agree with this sentiment, it is a fact. Most only love reading after going to college or if applying to more intellectual jobs.
He also talks about the real inspiration for the nutty teacher ("Professora Muito Maluquinha") as an 16-year-old teacher of his that
he enchanted her students by reading classic novels and giving comics for them to read, and through observation of her concentration with
reading, later on getting to know words and letters, that class learned everything with her. His early experiences with reading, also came
through his mother teachings in how to connect the letters in a sounding manner then forming words, and whenever he goes way back in those
memories, how they were useful for his comics, finds a way to connect with audiences in a fun way.
If I enjoy writing and reading, it's because of talented folks like Ziraldo and Mauricio de Souza, who introduced me to the world
of letters, words and comics way back in time. 9/10.
