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Uruguayan authors and publishers are making waves in the Ibero-American literary world, with several works recognized by the Cuatrogatos foundation in its 2026 awards.
A Celebration of Ibero-American Literature
The Cuatrogatos Foundation’s annual awards spotlight quality books from writers and illustrators across Latin America and Spain.
- The animal in the stone, a collaboration between Guatemalan and Mexican artists, won in the “For those who became great readers” category.
- Gabriela Mirza’s at a gallop, gallop, gallop was among the 12 finalists.
- A rediscovered work by Eduardo Galeano,The animals of the day and night. Myths and legends about creation, received an award for editorial rescue.
Since 2014,the cuatrogatos Foundation,directed by María José Ferrada,has been dedicated to promoting and disseminating high-quality children’s and young adult literature from Ibero-America. This year’s awards are no exception, showcasing a diverse range of talent and storytelling.
Leading the accolades is The animal in the stone, a poetic narrative by Maya Mitsukawa (text) and Isabel Lucero (illustrations), published by Amanuense. The book is described as an “evocative poem that recreates the origins of humanity and reminds us that migrating, settling and creating are part of our oldest history.” The book explores how drawing animals on stone was once a way of understanding and connecting with the world, linking the past to the present and emphasizing the power of art. The work has already garnered recognition, including inclusion in the White Ravens in 2025 and the Illustrators Exhibition Winners of the Bologna Book Fair 2026.
Also among the 12 finalists is At a gallop, gallop, gallop, featuring text by Gabriela Mirza and illustrations by Carolina Monterrubio, both published by Amanuense.
The foundation also celebrates the rediscovery of important works. The animals of the day and night. Myths and legends about creation, with text by eduardo galeano and illustrations by Virginia Piñón, published by Siglo Veintiuno Editores, was recognized for editorial rescue. This category highlights efforts to bring previously unavailable literary works for children and young people back into circulation, preserving artistic and historical value for new generations.
Several Uruguayan authors were also included among the 100 selected outstanding books. The abandoned bicycle by German Machado and Verónica Fabregat, published by Bindi Books, was recommended for young readers beginning to read alone. Antonia’s daisies by Mónica Grobert and Lucía Franco, part of the Voces en el Horizonte collection by Muñeca de Trapo, also received a recommendation. Additionally, Sarracing by María Luz Malamud and Angelina Montero, from Periplo, was selected. Finally
