From voice and lullaby to story, from story to book, and from book to the world.

Kolibrí Festivaali 2025 Guest Artist, Mar Benegas (ES), will lead a practical and reflective session exploring early childhood and its deep connection with literature.

She’ll be joined by italian author Arianna Squilloni, founder of the publishing house A buen paso. Squilloni will talk about the birth and transformation of Benegas's books published by her publishing house.

From oral tradition to the written word, the Spanish author will share hands-on examples for reading with young children. What kinds of books and stories suit each stage? How – and why – should we tell them?

Because reading before knowing how to read is more than just reading – it’s about creating a place in the world, a safe space where children can feel seen and begin to understand. Because from birth to age 99, everything begins.

This talk is ideal for teachers, storytellers, cultural workers and facilitators, parents, and anyone interested in bringing literature and reading to life in early childhood.

Mar Benegas’ participation in Kolibrí Festivaali is thanks to the collaboration of the Dirección General del Libro, del Cómic y de la Lectura of the Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes of Spain. This activity is a collaboration with Stoa Cultural Centre