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Abstract
Monteiro Lobato is a respected Brazilian author of the early 20 th century, and an acknowledged pioneer in Brazilian childrens literature. This thes is analyses his literature for children, focusing in particular upon elements related to educatio n and citizenship in Brazil. Monteiro Lobato believes emphatically that literature can and must educate children. Literature and instruction are two interconnected elements in his works, where one cannot exist without the other. Therefore, the hypothesis defended in this work states that L obatos literature educat e children seeking to improve their notion of citizenshi p. Nevertheless, although he uses hi s literary works to educate, his technique is subtle. The reader is introduced to new ideas, concepts and facts, such as philosophy or history, but withou t disrupting the magic experience created by the act of reading. Lobato uses this strategy because he values childrens natural capability to use their imagination. Furthermore, Monteiro Lobato believes that a so ciety such as exists in Brazil can only improve through the education of its children.