When Jéssica S. Scheumann first arrived in the United States in 2019 as an au pair, she had no idea that her personal experience as an immigrant would eventually inspire a publishing company that would reach families around the world. For Jéssica, who grew up in Bahia, Brazil, books were a way to preserve the rich cultural heritage of her homeland while helping children grow into empathetic global citizens. Thus, Arteirinha was born, a bilingual publishing house dedicated to producing stories that nurture both children and the adults raising them.
As a child development educator, Jéssica brings a unique perspective to her work, one that combines the art of storytelling with the science of emotional intelligence. Through her books, she bridges the gap between cultural heritage and the critical insights from child development science, making her publishing house an essential resource for bilingual families around the world.
Jéssica's journey began in Bahia, where she earned a degree in Journalism in 2014 before starting her career in marketing and copywriting. In 2019, her life took a dramatic turn when she moved to the United States. As what was meant to be a temporary chapter turned into a life abroad, she realized she would be building her family away from home. Immersed in a new culture, she understood that she had a challenge ahead: preserving her Brazilian roots for herself and her future children.
That longing to keep Brazil close led her to start Arteirinha, which means "Playful Little One" in Portuguese, a name reflecting the essence of childhood play, which she believes is a universal language that connects children everywhere. At the time, she was studying children's literature at Austin Community College, where she began developing the manuscript for her first book, Sometimes It's Time. The book, which deals with grief and loss, was deeply personal, written during a period of reflection on her father's death. The message of resilience and emotional health it conveys has resonated with countless families, both in the U.S. and Brazil.
Jéssica's work is more than just about publishing books. Arteirinha is a mission-driven company with a deep commitment to raising global citizens. Every book under the Arteirinha label is bilingual, written in both Portuguese and English, to ensure that Brazilian children can stay connected to their roots while embracing the global community. What sets Arteirinha apart from other children's publishers is its commitment to not only offering great stories but also providing parents with insights on how to support their children's emotional development.
"Every book I publish includes a 'Letter to Caregivers' because I believe parenting deserves the same care and guidance as the story itself," says Jéssica. This unique addition helps parents apply the principles of child development science in everyday life, making the books as educational for adults as they are for children.
In 2024, Arteirinha's recognition grew with two of its books, Good Night, Amazon and Where Summer Melts Christmas, reaching bestseller status on Amazon. Both books reflect Jéssica's commitment to cultural authenticity. Good Night, Amazon introduces readers to the wonders of the Brazilian rainforest, while Where Summer Melts Christmas explores the contrast between Brazilian and U.S. holiday traditions, celebrating diversity and emotional flexibility in the process.
Another standout moment for Arteirinha came with the release of The Rope That Ties Us, which earned the Positive Parenting Seal from Escola da Educação Positiva, Brazil's leading institution on positive parenting. This book, based on Attachment Theory, emphasizes the strong, invisible bond between mothers and children, no matter the distance. Its recognition underscores the impact of Arteirinha's work in nurturing healthy relationships between caregivers and children.
Through its unique blend of cultural storytelling and child development science, Arteirinha has gained recognition not only in the U.S. but also in Brazil. The company is a proud member of the Brazilian Book Chamber (CBL) and the International Academy of Brazilian Literature, further solidifying its position as a leading voice in the field of bilingual children's literature.
For Jéssica, the real reward is seeing how her books impact families. "Arteirinha was born out of homesickness. I wanted to bring a piece of Brazil into my future family, and now that mission has reached families around the world," she shares.
Since then, Jéssica has become a mother herself, bringing the original vision behind Arteirinha full circle. "When I started Arteirinha, I was thinking about how I would keep Brazil present in the lives of the children I hoped to have one day. Now that I'm a mother, that question isn't hypothetical anymore. It's part of my everyday life."
The company's focus on emotional intelligence, cultural preservation, and bilingualism has made it an invaluable resource for families navigating the complexities of multicultural and multilingual lives. Jéssica's approach goes beyond simply telling stories; it's about empowering parents with tools to support their children's emotional health and cultural identity. "Child development science shouldn't stay locked in academic articles, it should be in parents' hands at any time, while reading with their kids," says Jéssica.
Arteirinha's commitment to diversity and emotional well-being can be seen in every book it publishes, from I Feel, I Learn, I Grow, a guide to understanding emotions, to Sometimes It's Time, a comforting exploration of grief and resilience. These books have resonated with readers across cultures, providing children with tools to understand their emotions and embrace the world around them.
Today, Arteirinha is a beacon of hope for families around the world who are looking for stories that celebrate cultural diversity while nurturing emotional growth. With a growing collection of books and an expanding community of parents and caregivers, Jéssica S. Scheumann's mission to raise global citizens continues to thrive. If you want to learn more about Arteirinha's unique approach to bilingual children's literature and how it supports both children and caregivers, visit Arteirinha's website. Whether you're a bilingual family or simply someone looking for high-quality children's books that teach both empathy and global awareness, Arteirinha has something for you.
By integrating the wisdom of child development science with the joy of storytelling, Jéssica is helping parents worldwide raise children who are not just bilingual but emotionally intelligent and culturally aware.