A Quarter-Century of cultivating Young Readers

For 25 years, iamiqué editions, founded by biologist Ileana Lotersztain and physicist Carla Bardes, has been dedicated to producing scientific and informative books for children. More than just textbooks, these books are designed to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. Based in teh Chacarita neighborhood of Buenos Aires, the publishing house has cultivated a unique approach that resonates with children, educators, and adults alike.

More Than Just Science: Exploring History, Ideology, and Democracy

Iamiqué’s catalog extends beyond traditional science topics.They offer titles exploring history, philosophy, sex education (ESI), diversity, and even a new collection focused on the principles of democracy. This broad range reflects a commitment to providing children with a well-rounded understanding of the world around them.

The “Oscar” Nomination: A Testament to Editorial excellence

Iamiqué Editions recently celebrated a significant milestone: a nomination for editorial excellence at the Bologna Children’s book Fair, often considered the “Oscar” of children’s literature. While they didn’t win the award, the nomination itself was a powerful recognition of their dedication to quality and innovation in children’s publishing. This recognition places them among the top publishers worldwide, competing with esteemed imprints from every continent.

the Iamiqué Philosophy: Pleasure Reading That Educates

According to Ileana Lotersztain, the core of Iamiqué’s books lies in their ability to educate through enjoyment. They are informative books, but they are not texts for school: they are created to read for pleasure. The goal is not simply to impart knowlege, but to ignite a sense of wonder and encourage further exploration. This approach has proven especially popular with teachers, who find that Iamiqué books create a stimulating habitat for discussing complex topics.

attention to Detail: A Hallmark of Quality

Carla Bardes emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail that goes into each Iamiqué publication. Another aspect that makes our seal is the enormous work behind each title. From collaborating closely with authors and illustrators to ensuring historical accuracy, every aspect of the book is carefully considered. This commitment to quality ensures that Iamiqué books are both informative and engaging.

Such as, every detail has to be checking. I remember that once there was a lizard that had the tail all curled up in a very nice curl. Ile looks at him and tells me: “the truth, I don’t think the bone structure of the lizard of that tail.” Or in the book on the history of transport, in an illustration about the first cars, a red car appeared. I asked the illustrator: “Are we sure they came in red these cars?” we investigated it and it turns out that they only manufactured them in black and green, so we ended up changing it.

Carla Bardes, Iamiqué Editions

finding Inspiration: from Bologna to the Shower

The ideas for Iamiqué’s books come from a variety of sources. Carla Bardes explains that inspiration can strike anywhere, from conversations with children to trends observed at the Bologna Children’s Book fair. They also welcome proposals from authors, carefully considering each submission for its potential to become a valuable and “iamiquense” addition to their catalog.

Spotlight on Darwin: A Great Family

One example of Iamiqué’s thoughtful approach is their book on Darwin,A Great Family. Initially hesitant to publish another book on the subject, they were ultimately won over by the author’s unique perspective. The book explores how Darwin’s work helps us understand our place in the world and our connection to all living things.

Science All Year: A Collection for Every Season

Another notable project is the Science All Year collection, a series of four books, one for each season. Written by Valeria Edelsztein, these books explore the changes that occur in the environment, our bodies, and our daily lives throughout the year. This collection exemplifies Iamiqué’s commitment to making science accessible and relevant to children’s everyday experiences.

A Legacy of Pride: Looking to the Future

When asked about their favorite titles, Ileana Lotersztain expresses pride in the entire Iamiqué catalog. Their dedication to quality, innovation, and a genuine love of learning has made Iamiqué Editions a leading voice in children’s publishing, inspiring young readers for generations to come. As the publishing landscape evolves, Iamiqué Editions remains committed to its core mission: to create books that ignite curiosity, foster critical thinking, and empower children to explore the world around them.

A Quarter-Century of Science for Young Minds

For a remarkable 25 years, the Argentine publishing house “¿Por Qué?” (Why?) has been captivating young readers with engaging and accessible science books. Founded by Carla and Ileana, two scientists with a passion for education, the publishing house has consistently strived to make complex scientific concepts understandable and enjoyable for children.

From Scientific Frustration to Educational Innovation

The story of “¿Por Qué?” began in the 1990s, a period of economic hardship for Argentine scientists. Carla, a physicist, found herself disillusioned with research, while Ileana, a biologist, realized that traditional laboratory work wasn’t her calling. both found themselves drawn to scientific journalism and enrolled in the same course, sparking a partnership that would change the landscape of children’s science literature in argentina.

Their collaboration began with writing biology and physics manuals for a publishing house. However, they noticed a wealth of engaging facts that couldn’t be included in the textbooks due to space constraints and curriculum limitations. This realization fueled their desire to create scientific material that children would read “for pleasure,” sparking the initial concept for “¿Por Qué?”.

The Genesis of “¿Por Qué?”: Answering Children’s Questions

Carla and Ileana began brainstorming ideas, collecting songs, and noting the questions that children, frequently enough relatives and friends’ children, would ask them.These questions, sometimes challenging to answer, became the foundation for their first project: a series of fascicles to be distributed with a newspaper.

With the help of friends and family, the fascicles evolved into a full-fledged book. Before seeking publication, Carla and Ileana visited libraries, posing as curious relatives seeking engaging science books for a “nephew” with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. They found a gap in the market: existing titles were either too formal, translated from foreign sources, or outdated.

Navigating the Publishing World: Choosing Independence

Faced with the daunting task of finding a publisher, Carla and Ileana sought advice from industry professionals. The prevailing sentiment was discouraging, but they remained steadfast. Ultimately, they chose to self-publish, prioritizing creative control and a commitment to their vision.

Their first book, Questions that put the spike hairs, marked the beginning of a successful journey.as then,”¿Por Qué?” has published numerous titles,covering a wide range of scientific topics,from chemistry to biology to physics. one of their most popular series, Chemistry even in the soup, demonstrates how science is present in everyday life and has been translated into multiple languages.

Evolving with the Times: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Over the past 25 years, “¿Por qué?” has remained committed to addressing contemporary social issues. Gender equality, diversity, and inclusion have always been central to their work. The rise of social movements in recent years has further motivated them to ensure that these values are reflected in both their texts and illustrations.

Such as,in 2015,they published Family with a family,a book exploring family diversity. Written by two psychoanalysts and illustrated by fifteen different artists, the book showcases fifteen different family models. Before its release, Gabriela Larralde reviewed the illustrations, pointing out the lack of portrayal of women wearing skirts and the prevalence of glasses among the characters.This feedback prompted revisions, demonstrating “¿Por Qué?’s” ongoing commitment to inclusivity.

We were always very attentive to gender issues, diversity and inclusion. These are issues that question us. All the movement of recent years motivated us to always keep them present, both in texts and in illustrations.

Carla, Co-founder of “¿por Qué?”

The Enduring Legacy of “¿Por Qué?”

As “¿Por Qué?” celebrates its 25th anniversary, the publishing house continues to inspire young minds and foster a love of science. Their dedication to creating engaging, accessible, and inclusive content has made them a leading voice in children’s science education in Argentina and beyond. With a focus on answering children’s questions and promoting critical thinking,”¿Por Qué?” is shaping the next generation of scientists and innovators.

From Humble Beginnings to International Recognition

Iamiqué, an Argentinian publishing house, has marked 25 years of crafting unique and thought-provoking books. Starting modestly, the founders, Ileana and Carla, expanded their initial catalog with two additional volumes, achieving unexpected success. To sustain their work, they continued to develop new projects.

A Pivotal Moment: Recognition in Mexico

In 2006, a turning point arrived with an invitation from the Deputy Director of the National Reading Program of Mexico. They were asked to present their catalog at the Guadalajara Book Fair. Carla attended, showcasing their distinctive titles.

While the official was impressed, a challenge emerged: the books were written in Argentinian Spanish, using the “you” form common in Argentina. Fortunately,a local representative offered to invest in reissuing the books with the necessary adaptations.After a summer of revisions,the Mexican National Reading Plan selected seven of Iamiqué’s nine presented titles.

Expansion and Diversification

This decision acted as a catalyst for Iamiqué’s growth. The publishing house expanded, establishing its own office and venturing into international markets. They began exporting their own titles, acquiring translation rights for foreign works, and selling translation rights for their original publications.This strategic diversification has been crucial to their sustained success in a competitive market. According to recent industry reports, self-reliant publishers who diversify their revenue streams are 30% more likely to experience year-over-year growth.

Reflections on a Quarter-Century

Looking back on their journey,Ileana and carla shared their reflections:

We are happy to have met and be partners.We are surprised when we go on vacation. And after 25 years of work every book.Enjoy never lost it. We want to continue doing this: the books we like, for many years.
Ileana,Iamiqué Founder

For the times we run we handle an editorial that is almost combative: we make books of science,ESI,of diversity,about the value of democracy. but there is something else. At the last Guadalajara fair I went to the presentation of a book that raised the meeting of a child with different adults walking along the same street. The special thing was that according to the profession of that adult – historian, architect, etc. – offered a different look. But it turns out that,while commenting,the director of the Puebla de Reading Council said: “The first thing I want to rescue from this book is that it shows adults willing to talk with a child.” I promptly thought: ‘wow: how much needs to be these reading moments’. And at the same time, that is what from Iamiqué we do: create titles that call for children and adults, who are read as a family and that above all invite to talk.
Carla, Iamiqué Founder

Creating Dialog Through Literature

Carla highlights Iamiqué’s commitment to creating books that foster intergenerational dialogue. She emphasizes the importance of books that encourage conversations between children and adults, promoting shared reading experiences and family discussions. This approach aligns with current educational trends that emphasize the value of family engagement in literacy advancement.