In downtown São Paulo, a boy and a girl approach passers-by asking a question one would expect from street children: “Could you give me some help?” Many people avoid them, and move on without responding. After a while, people start offering the kind of help one would assume the children were asking for: money. Surprisingly, the children refuse and clarify the kind of help they’re seeking: with grammar, math and science homework. People help them with the questions, surprised that the kids weren't asking for money, but education. Super: “There are other ways to help children. Help us help them.” We see the logo of Casa do Zezinho, a non-profit organization that helps thousands of underprivileged children through education and art.

We came up with the idea to create a book telling the story of a kid who leaves Casa do Zezinho and discovers the world through lots of adventures. But it’s no ordinary book — it’s a ball-book, one that children can both read and play with: each panel of the ball corresponds to a book page. As for the story, we relied on a talented children’s book writer and illustrator duo.

The ball-book is just the beginning of the project. It’s being produced in large scale and will be sold at both major bookstores and toyshops. All profit will be destined to Casa do Zezinho. In addition to promoting the project, the book also stimulates reading not only among underprivileged children, but also among children who eventually buy it. And what’s more, they will learn in the best possible way: by playing.