This beautifully written juvenile book is the fictionalized story of Chilean born Neftali Reyes, better known as the poet Pablo Neruda. Neftali's father was virulent in his opposition to any artistic pursuits. When Neftali's older brother showed promise as a singer, his father denied him permission to study music and forced him into the business world. Neftali was always getting in trouble for daydreaming, collecting rocks, feathers, pine cones, and other things that struck his fancy. He was a gentle soul whose work hardened father did not understand and was embarassed by him even when others applauded his writing. His father's attempts to "make a man of him" cause him much pain and anguish. Things come to a head when an article he has written is published in the university magazine which reveals that Neftali plans to study poetry. His father takes all the notebooks and papers of his writings and burns them. It is then that he makes the decision to write under a pseudonym so his father will not know he is still writing. He choses the name Neruda from Czech poet Jan Neruda.
Illustrator Peter Sis uses his artwork to illustrate the fanciful thoughts and daydreams of young Neftali. They help to set the gentle, thoughtful tone of the book. Excerpts of Neruda's poetry are included at the end.
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