Elsa López's "Nafissa's Journey" Explores Child Migration

Renowned author Elsa López has released a new children's book, El viaje de Nafissa (Nafissa's Journey), featuring illustrations by Víctor Jaubert.

The book was published through a collaboration between several organizations: the Vice-Ministry of External Action and the Ministry of Universities, Science and Innovation (both part of the Government of the Canary Islands), the Cabildo de La Palma, and the Center for Canarian Popular Culture.

The official presentation will take place on Wednesday, December 3rd, at 5:00 PM at the Salazar Palace in Santa Cruz de La Palma.

Nafissa's Journey explores the theme of emigration. It tells the story of young Nafissa, whose experience mirrors that of many who risk everything in small boats, hoping to find a better life. It's a journey born of pain and hunger, driven by the search for happiness, inviting young readers to join this African girl on her long path towards hope.

Elsa López tenderly and realistically recounts Nafissa's adventure, as she leaves Hombori, a small city in west-central Mali's Mopti region, to travel to the distant island of La Palma.

While suitable for all ages, Nafissa's Journey is particularly aimed at children in the Canary Islands. It speaks to those who share their schools and communities with many "Nafissas" – children who have endured difficult boat journeys to reach the islands, dreaming of a better life while carrying the sadness of leaving loved ones behind.

The book's publication was made possible by the Technical Unit for Minors within the Social Action Service of the Island Council of La Palma, with special thanks to its technical team: Meriem Ali Mohamed, Alejandra Martín Machín, Lucía Paloma López Rodríguez, and Raquel Ramón El Hadi.

Presented in an attractive hardcover format, the book beautifully blends text and illustrations. Víctor Jaubert's unique style brings to life every character, landscape, and detail, complementing the author's exquisite poetic language, which is sure to captivate readers of all ages.

Diego J. Darias handled the layout and design.

About the Author, Elsa López:

Elsa López is a Professor and Doctor of Philosophy, a member of the Canarian Academy of Language, and a corresponding member of the Royal Academy of Cordoba of Sciences, Fine Letters and Noble Arts. She also serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the La Palma Island Biosphere Reserve to UNESCO.

Her many accolades include the Gold Medal of the Canarian Government (2016), the Taburiente Award (2018), the Emilio Castelar Award (2019), the Canary Islands Literature Award (2022), and the Victorina Bridoux de las Letras Award (2023).

She founded and has directed Ediciones La Palma since 1989. Her past roles include president of the Literature Section of the Ateneo de Madrid (1987-88) and president of the Ateneo de La Laguna (2011-2013). She also organized and coordinated projects for the Government of the Canary Islands, such as “El Papel de Canarias” (1993) and “Memoria de las Islas” (1994-2000), and directed the Antonio Gala Foundation for Young Creators (2002-2006).

Among her poetry awards are the “Ciudad de Melilla” International Poetry Award (1987), the “Rosa de Damasco” International Poetry Award (1989), the “José Hierro” National Poetry Award (2000), and the “Ciudad de Córdoba Ricardo Molina” Poetry Award (2005). She also received the José Pérez Vidal Research Award (1993).

Her extensive poetry collection includes: El viento y las adelfas (1973), Inevitable Océano (1982), Penumbra (1985), Del amor imperfecto (1987), La Casa Cabrera (1989), La Fajana Oscura (1990), Cementerio de elefantes (1992), Al final del agua (1993), Tránsito (1995), Magarzas (1997), Mar de amores (2002), Ministerio del aire (Anthology 1973-2003), Quince Poemas (de amor adolescente) (2003), La pecera (2005), A mar abierta (2006), Travesía (2006), De la A a la Z, Canarias (2008), Solo de amor (2008), Ofertorio (2008), A la Virgen de Las Nieves (2015), Viaje a la nada (2016), Últimos poemas de amor (2018), Hospital de mariposas (2020), and El país de mi abanico (2021).

Her poetry has been translated into multiple languages, including Arabic, French, English, Italian, German, Dutch, and Portuguese, and features in various national and international anthologies.

In narrative, her works include: Memoria de un tiempo difícil (1986), José Pérez Vidal, biografía de un etnógrafo canario (1987), El corazón de los pájaros (2001), Las brujas de la isla del viento (2006), El Viaje (2008), Una gasa delante de mis ojos (2011), La isla del viento (2020), Ella quiere ser sorda (2021), and Ellas (2021).

She also regularly contributes articles to national and international newspapers and magazines.