Who’s afraid of Papão de Contos?

A bogeyman with a gift for tenderness

I f you ever come across a suitcase full of buttons, puppets, and objects that look like they’ve tumbled out of an enchanted attic, don’t run — you’ve probably just met Carla Santos, creator of Papão de Contos, and you’re about to step into a world where stories come with smells, sounds, touch, and soul.

That’s how Papão de Contos was born — an oral storytelling project refined over decades, transforming listening into a full sensory experience.

Here, imagination finds a lap to rest in, books grow legs, and words are spoken from the heart. Carla researches, writes, sews, stages… and tells. From lullabies for babies to historical tales told with both humour and accuracy, she does a bit of everything.

It all started with O Soldado da Paz ('The Peace Soldier'). Others followed — Ficaram a ver navios ('Left Watching Ships'), D. Maria, não só a Louca ('Queen Maria, Not Just the Mad One'), and Não há duas sem três ('Third Time’s the Charm') — stories with history at their core, centred on the French Invasions of Portugal and the popular resistance that helped shape the country.

Carla believes children deserve to discover Portuguese history in a way that’s creative and true. She brings puppets, music, rhymes, and humour together in shows that are as emotionally engaging as they are educational.

From north to south, Papão de Contos visits libraries, museums, schools, parties, interpretation centres — anywhere it’s invited. Each session is a sensory celebration for babies, children, parents, and grandparents.

If you haven’t yet heard Carla Santos tell a story… there’s still time. But be warned: the Papão bites. With tenderness.