Wordless Books

The Little Barbarian

Renato Moriconi


The Little Barbarian is a fun story that celebrates a young child’s vivid imagination in a dramatic and exciting way. It was first published in Brazil under the title Bárbaro

In 2014, it won both the FNLIJ (the Brazilian section of IBBY) award for Best Wordless Picture Book and the Brazilian Jabuti Award for Best Children’s Illustrations.

Spread from The Little Barbarian by Renato Moriconi

The book opens with a picture of a determined warrior, proudly bearing his sword and shield, running eagerly towards his horse, which is beautifully adorned with a gold saddlecloth and decorated reins.

Spread from The Little Barbarian by Renato Moriconi

Almost immediately he leaps into the air and begins his brave fight against numerous opponents.

Spread from The Little Barbarian by Renato Moriconi

These include predatory birds…

Spread from The Little Barbarian by Renato Moriconi

… fearsome one-eyed spear-bearers…

Spread from The Little Barbarian by Renato Moriconi

… and a vast sea-dwelling dragon.

Spread from The Little Barbarian by Renato Moriconi

Throughout all these terrors, the warrior remains undaunted and inscrutable. But when a face and some giant hands reach down towards him he just can’t help but cry.

His marvellous adventure has finally come to an end.

Spread from The Little Barbarian by Renato Moriconi

Renato Moriconi is a Brazilian artist, born in Sāo Paulo. He has illustrated over 50 books, has been published in several countries and won many awards.