'Tender, joyful' Guardian

'One of the most memorable characters in all children's literature' The School Librarian

Meet Zezé, Brazil's naughtiest and most loveable boy, his talent for mischief matched only by his kindness. When he grows up he wants to be 'a poet with a bow-tie' - and to stop making his parents angry with all his mistakes.

For now, he entertains himself playing pranks on the residents of his poor Rio de Janeiro neighbourhood, and when he has troubles he tells them to the talking orange tree in his back garden. That is, until he meets a real friends, and his life begins to change...

My Sweet Orange Tree is a worldwide classic of children's literature, whose cheeky, resilient hero has won the hearts of millions of young readers.

Part of the new Pushkin Children's Classics series of thrilling, magical and inspiring stories from around the world, which young readers will return to time and again.

Translated by Alison Entrekin.

José Mauro de Vasconcelos (1920-84) was a Brazilian writer who worked as a sparring partner for boxers, as a labourer on a banana farm, and a fisherman before he started writing at the age of 22. He is most famous for his autobiographical novel My Sweet Orange Tree, which tells the story of his own childhood in Rio de Janeiro.

Alison Entrekin is an acclaimed translator from Portuguese, whose translations include Budapest by Chico Buarque, which was shortlisted for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize.

'Tender, joyful... It will suit thoughtful readers of 10-plus down to the ground' - Guardian

'The Little Prince, Heidi, Pippi Longstocking and Tom Sawyer captivate all ages both within and beyond their native lands... In 1968, one such literary character was born in Brazil... New readers, young and old, will delight in the beautifully bittersweet tale... A near-perfect childs-eye view of life, one that has the power to both warm and break hearts, whatever the age of the reader' - The National

'A combination of irrepressible humour and profound insights from an intelligent and enquiring young mind make Zeze one of the most memorable characters in all childrens literature. Highly recommended' - The School Librarian

'This is a story full of sorrowful tenderness. Little Zeze is so likeable and he will stay with me for ever' - Cao Wenxuan, winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Prize

'Full of zest and vigour' - Books for Keeps

José Mauro de Vasconcelos (1920-84) was a Brazilian writer who worked as a sparring partner for boxers, as a labourer on a banana farm, and a fisherman before he started writing at the age of 22. He is most famous for his autobiographical novel My Sweet Orange Tree, which tells the story of his own childhood in Rio de Janeiro. Alison Entrekin is an acclaimed translator from Portuguese, whose translations include Budapest by Chico Buarque, which was shortlisted for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize.