Abstract: This paper discusses issues concerning Mia Couto’s children’s books and the use of them for application of Law 10639/2003 in Brazil. This law has set out the curricular guidelines for teaching African Afro-Brazilian History and Culture in elementary and secondary schools in Brazil. Therefore, we propose a discussion about this law and about Mia Couto’s books O beijo da palavrinha (“The Little Word’s Kiss) and O gato e o escuro (“The Cat and the Dark”). Also, we suggest activities to be used for teaching Afro-Brazilian history and culture, particularly in the subjects of Arts, Literature and History.

Key words: children’s literature, Mozambican literature, Law 10639/2003, Brazil, Mia Couto