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Children's Books· Costa Rica

Cocorí

by Joaquín Gutiérrez
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1947Spanish
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About This Book

When Joaquín Gutiérrez published Cocorí in 1947, it quickly found its place in the broader tradition of children's books. Cocorí is a beloved children's book in Costa Rica, telling the story of a young Afro-Caribbean boy and his adventures in the jungle. The narrative explores themes of innocence, friendship, and the natural world, capturing the imagination of generations of readers. Despite some controversy over its portrayal of racial stereotypes, Cocorí remains a significant cultural artifact and a staple in Costa Rican education. Themes of innocence, friendship, nature run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorJoaquín Gutiérrez
Published1947
Country of Origin🇨🇷 Costa Rica
LanguageSpanish
Category🧸 Children's Books
ISBN9789968461002
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🧸 Children's Books

Picture books, middle-grade fiction, and early readers.

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Country of Origin

🇨🇷 Costa Rica

This book is part of Costa Rica's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Costa Rica →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1947, Joaquín Gutiérrez's Cocorí is a work of children's books that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with innocence, friendship, nature, adventure gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed Cocorí among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. The appeal of Cocorí lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of innocence, friendship, nature, adventure is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Within Costa Rica's literary landscape, Joaquín Gutiérrez occupies a significant position. Cocorí is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
list · regional
20040
✍️
About the Author
Joaquín Gutiérrez
Costa Rica
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Joaquín Gutiérrez is a Costa Rica author whose work in children's books has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cocorí about?

Cocorí is a beloved children's book in Costa Rica, telling the story of a young Afro-Caribbean boy and his adventures in the jungle. The narrative explores themes of innocence, friendship, and the natural world, capturing the imagination of generations of readers. Despite some controversy over its portrayal of racial stereotypes, Cocorí remains a significant cultural artifact and a staple in Costa Rican education.

Who wrote Cocorí?

Cocorí was written by Joaquín Gutiérrez, from Costa Rica. First published in 1947.

What awards has Cocorí won?

Cocorí has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is Cocorí worth reading?

Cocorí is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in innocence, friendship, nature.

Where can I buy Cocorí?

You can buy Cocorí on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Cocorí?

Cocorí is classified as Children's Books. Picture books, middle-grade fiction, and early readers.

What country is Cocorí from?

Cocorí originates from Costa Rica's literary tradition. Explore more books from Costa Rica on our country page.

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