What Is Cuento de Luz?
Cuento de Luz is an international independent children’s book publisher based in Madrid, Spain. Its name means “Tale of Light,” and that’s exactly what the company aims to do: build peace through education and inspire kids to create a brighter future. They focus on captivating picture books originally written in Spanish and translated into English, all designed to nurture the inner light within every child. It’s not just about stories; it’s about sparking hope and imagination in young minds around the world.
Main Benefits and Achievements
Over the years, Cuento de Luz has racked up some impressive milestones and recognition:
- More than 100 awards for its books in the USA in just over ten years.
- Named one of the Top 150 Impact companies worldwide by The Real Leaders magazine in 2021.
- Selected as Best Publisher by the Dragón Lector Award in Spain in 2013.
- Founder Ana Eulate recognized among the 2021 100 Women in Impact and a Top 100 Women Leaders in Spain for multiple years.
- Recipient of The New York Times and New York Public Library’s Best Illustrated Book of 2018 for “Ayobami and the Names of the Animals.”
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Publishing
One of the coolest things about Cuento de Luz is its commitment to the planet. They print their books on stone paper, which is pretty revolutionary. No trees, no water, no toxins, no bleach — just pure innovation. This process meets the strict Cradle to Cradle certification standards, meaning the books are water-resistant, grease-resistant, and super durable. It’s a fresh take on printed media that respects the environment while delivering quality.
The Story Behind the Story: How Cuento de Luz Was Created
The company started in a garage-turned-office during Spain’s economic crisis. Ana Eulate, the founder, had been writing stories since she was a kid — a lifelong dream finally coming to life. Before this, Ana worked for the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Finance, served as Commercial Attaché at the Spanish Embassy in Rio de Janeiro, and was a National Expert at the European Commission in Brussels. Eventually, she left all that to follow her passion and create Cuento de Luz.
Core Values That Define Cuento de Luz
Cuento de Luz stands out because of its strong principles:
- Universal Values
- Promoting Peace Through Education
- Raising Environmental Awareness
- An International Outlook
- A Multicultural Team
- Projects with NGOs
The company believes stories can bring hope to children living in tough situations—war zones, famine-affected areas, and more. Some books support small foundations that reinvest profits into education, nutrition, environmental preservation, and peace promotion. Ana herself is hands-on, traveling to places like Afghanistan and Kenya to distribute books in local languages and even opening a school in Kenya named “Education is Light.”
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to Cuento de Luz
- Quality Education (SDG 4)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16)
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
The Unique Children’s Advisory Committee (CLAC)
Cuento de Luz has a special advisory group called CLAC, made up of four kids from Spain, Brussels, and New York. These young readers love nature, animals, and are endlessly curious. Their fresh perspectives and suggestions help shape the company’s projects, making sure the stories truly resonate with children everywhere. It’s a wonderful way to keep the company connected to its audience and stay inspired.
