Umiko

“It stands out for its exceptional narrative quality, the beauty of the story, and a richly crafted universe built upon thorough research.”
Jury of the 2024 National Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature of Spain.

Umiko is a full-color illustrated novel that blends adventure, romance, and a deep exploration of Japanese cultural heritage. Set in Japan, it tells the story of a young girl shaped by the legacy of the ama—traditional female divers who pass down their craft from mother to daughter.

With a striking visual style that combines traditional narrative and comic-inspired elements, this work weaves fantasy and reality to address universal themes such as the loss of ancient traditions and the importance of cultural roots. While part of the story centers on a teenage romance, it goes far beyond to offer a powerful reflection on cultural identity.

Award-winning and widely acclaimed for its artistic quality, originality, and thematic depth, Umiko is a captivating read for both young and adult audiences.

Key points

2024 – The White Ravens List
2024 – National Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature, Spain
2023 – Best Books for Children and Youth Award, Banco del Libro, Venezuela
2023 – Selection by the Spanish Organization for Children’s and Young Adult Books (OEPLI), IBBY Spain

• Third reprint as of June 2025.
• A narrative that blends adolescent love with a deep exploration of universal themes such as cultural identity, the loss of ancient traditions, and family legacy.
• Featuring illustrations that offer a striking visual approach and a written narrative interwoven with a comic-style graphic aesthetic.