World launch of ”Lotsa de Casha”
The exception is due to the fact that the illustrator of Madonna‘s next book, “Lotsa de Casha”, is Portuguese, and this is why the book will be launched in Portugal first, and only one week later will it will be released worldwide.
Dom Quixote, the Portuguese publisher of the singers childrens books series, which started on September 2003 with “The English Roses”, is preparing a special programme for June 1st, with the partecipation of Rui Paes, the author of the illustrations of this book. Apart from an autograph signing, actress Carmen Dolores will read the story in a public session (the location is yet to be announced).
“Lotsa de Casha” is the fifth childrens book signed by Madonna and with this book – just like with the ones before – the singer offers her royalties to American foundation Spirituality For Kids. The four previous titles sold, altogether, about two million copies worldwide, 30 thousand of which in Portugal. The first one, “The English Roses”, was the one that sold more copies, originating a marketing phenomenon in such a way, that both the author and her publisher (Callaway) are thinking of its sequel. Consequently, it is likely that, after “Lotsa de Casa”, “The English Roses II” will be published.
In “Lotsa de Casha“, just like in the previous books, the moral is universal true happiness lies within sharing – but the inspiration is Italian. Starting by the title, Lotsa de Casha in the original. In Portuguese, “Pipas de Massa” was chosen, which does not transmit the Italian feeling of the English and that can cause some strangeness while reading it. The translation has been signed, once again, by familiar duo Miguel and Susana Serras Pereira, the protagonist, “Lotsa”, appears with a strange accent, mispelling the “ss” with the “ch”, in an attempt to reconstruct Madonnas Italian accent. A strangeness which Rui Paes, the illustrator, talks about, showing some reserve: maybe because I read the original so many times, he says.
Italy the country where Madonna has her roots is also very present in the illustration. At her request, like Rui Paes likes to point out, saying that she was inspired by the city of Siena and by the architecture of Genova to build the environments in which the adventures of “Lotsa”, who is at the same time bitter and rich. Until today, Rui had only illustrated a book of short-stories by his mom, writer Glória de Santana. He was eighteen years old at the time.
This book series interest lies in the signature, but, most of all, in the quality of the illustrations which accompany it. They are the ones which enrich tales somewhat lacking in originality. Furthermore, they make these books cult objects to those who value image. And Madonna knows it. And so do her editors.
From Diario de Noticias
Translated from Portuguese by our Team member Pam Anderson