Our Family Book

A tender and heartfelt exploration of the importance of honoring familial legacy in retaining Brazilian cultural heritage, from author-illustrator Marianna Smith.

After moving to a new home, a little girl feels like a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit. By looking through family photo albums with mamãe, the girl remembers her Brazilian family. She remembers Vovó’s fingers dancing across piano keys, Vovô’s thoughtful drawings, her primos’ laughter like windchimes… and how everything around her is different. Will she find where she belongs?

With an expressive, lively touch in her joyful illustrations and words, Marianna Smith crafts a moving exploration of how remembering Brazilian family strengthens belonging, heritage, and familial love.

This picture book is part of Smith’s MFA thesis.