Brother and sister Cauã and Inaê live in a village alongside the river Tapajós. Every year when the rains come, the whole village packs up and moves to higher ground. This year, Titi the tortoise gets left behind, and the two siblings, mounting a daring mission to rescue him, return to find the village transformed. Vilela's vibrant mixed-media illustrations are rich in their depictions of contemporary life along the river and of the flora and fauna of the region. Back matter includes additional information about the Tapajós and an author's note.

2019 USBBY Outstanding International Book. An Amazon Best Book of 2019. Junior Library Guild selection. A 2019 Capitol Choices book.

Author is from Brazil. As well as an author and illustrator, Fernando Viela is a plastics artist, and has exhibited work worldwide, including at the MoMA in New York and the Pinacoteca of the State of São Paulo.

Portugal. Originally published in Portugal as Tapajós by Brinque-Books in 2015. English translation by Daniel Hahn published in the United States by Amazon Crossing Kida in 2019.

A USBBY Outstanding International Book
An Amazon Best Book of 2019 in the Ages 6-8 category
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Capitol Choices Book

Cauã and Inaê are a brother and sister who live in a small community along the Tapajós River in Brazil. Here, the homes are on stilts and everyone travels around by boat--even to school! When the rainy season comes, they must leave their village and relocate to higher ground for a while. But after moving this year, Cauã and Inaê realize they've left behind something important: their pet tortoise, Titi! Unlike turtles, tortoises can't swim, and Cauã and Inaê are really worried. So the pair sneaks back at night on a journey along the river to rescue him. Will they be able to save Titi?

This picture book, first published in Brazil, offers kids a unique look into the lives of children who live along Brazil's beautiful Tapajós River.