Miguel Aguerralde launched his new children’s novel, La biblioteca de los escritores muertos, at the Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz, joined by Ismael Lozano from the Siete Islas publishing house. The story serves as an invitation for young readers to rediscover classic literature while embracing adventure, mystery, and humour.
The plot follows Carla, a girl indifferent to books, who is thrust into a literary journey after a mysterious character from her life vanishes. This prompts her to navigate through well-known literary worlds, such as Wonderland, Neverland, and the realms of Sherlock Holmes and Dracula. Aguerralde emphasised that finding the character is only part of the story; understanding why they left forms the emotional heart of the tale.
Aguerralde, reflecting on his teaching experience, expressed concern that young readers are increasingly disconnected from classic literature, overshadowed by digital content. He aims to rekindle interest in these stories, not by discrediting modern preferences, but by making classics relevant and relatable. Carla’s journey is not of an ideal reader, but of someone who needs an incentive to open a book.
Sherlock Holmes features prominently in Carla’s adventure, with Aguerralde citing both him and Michael Ende’s The NeverEnding Story as inspirations. The narrative weaves in various literary references while ensuring each retains its unique character and voice, from the antics of Don Quixote to the dark atmosphere of Dracula.
Though marketed as children’s literature, Aguerralde believes it speaks to all ages. Younger readers will enjoy the adventure, while adults will recognise familiar characters and narratives from their formative years. He hopes the book can bridge generational gaps, sparking shared conversations about literature.
Aguerralde also highlighted the challenges educational institutions face in updating their libraries. He noted that often, book procurement relies on limited funding and donations, posing a barrier for many families, particularly those with multiple children. To address this, he offers schools interactions with students via video calls or in-person meetings to foster a love for reading that persists beyond the pages.
This publication is one of Aguerralde’s many works, including thrillers and fantasy novels, all of which often draw inspiration from his home in Lanzarote. Scheduled for release in 2026, La biblioteca de los escritores muertos combines adventure with a legacy of enriching literature, consisting of 176 pages designed to captivate readers.
At the event’s conclusion, Aguerralde reminded attendees that the excitement of books transcends mere reading lists; it thrives on curiosity, conversation, and the influence of those who dedicate time to explore stories. His adventure invites children and adults alike to remember that the door to imagination remains open, no matter the age.
