In the month that reaffirms the increased visibility of the Deaf Community, through Blue September, Mauricio de Sousa Productions celebrates inclusion and communication in Libras with the launch of The Great Book of Libras. By combining the magic of *Turma da Mônica* with the world of Brazilian Sign Language, the book invites readers of all ages to embark on a journey of learning. According to the IBGE, 5% of the Brazilian population has some form of hearing impairment. This figure represents 10 million people, 2.7 million of whom are profoundly deaf. A portion of this community communicates in Libras, which is recognized as a legal means of communication and expression for the deaf, pursuant to Law 10.436/2002.
Symbolically, the book arrives during a period marked by various events aimed at raising awareness about accessibility and celebrating the achievements made by the deaf community over the years, such as World Sign Language Day (September 10), International Sign Language Day (September 23), National Deaf Day (September 26), culminating in International Deaf Day and International Translation and Translator/Interpreter Day (September 30).
With vibrant illustrations depicting fun everyday scenes of the Gang, the book translates the adventures of Monica, Jimmy Five, Maggy, Smudge, Milena, and their friends into Libras. On each page, readers are encouraged to discover the beauty and expressiveness of Brazilian Sign Language, demystifying prejudices and building bridges for inclusive communication.
The launch of The Great Book of Libras At the São Paulo International Book Fair, the importance of accessibility in all spheres of society is celebrated. Especially during Blue September, the work becomes an even more powerful symbol in the fight for a society that cares about breaking down barriers and investing in accessibility, and where communication is a guaranteed right for everyone. As a way to expand accessibility, the MSP booth at the Fair offers Libras interpreters to welcome the public.
The initiative adds to other MSP projects aimed at expanding accessibility to its content, such as the creation of inspiring characters like Sueli, a friendly 9-year-old deaf girl passionate about sports who communicates in Libras, featured on the book cover making the sign that means “I love.”.
For Rodrigo Paiva, manager of the editorial area at Mauricio de Sousa Produções, The Great Book of Libras it is an invitation to recognize and increase the population's knowledge regarding the deaf community, which is made up of people who communicate in Libras, but also deaf people who use oral Portuguese, in addition to reinforcing the importance of accessibility and inclusion. “More than a book, it is a bridge to a more inclusive future, where everyone can communicate and connect,” the manager stated.
About Mauricio de Sousa Produções
Mauricio de Sousa Produções is one of the largest entertainment companies in Brazil, responsible for one of the country's most admired brands, Monica and Friends. MSP invests in innovation and produces content across all platforms with the highest technology, aligning education, culture, and entertainment. In licensing, it works with 200 companies that use its characters in over 4,000 items. The brand's presence on the YouTube platform has surpassed 24 billion views, including Mônica Toy, content developed exclusively for this platform, in addition to organic engagement and interactions with fans on social media. In the publishing sector, it has one of the largest studios in the industry in the world, with 550 book titles and over 1 billion magazines sold, both responsible for the informal literacy of millions of Brazilians.
SOURCE: Diary of the PWD
