Monteiro Lobato is considered the most important Brazilian writer on
literature for children.
He also wrote books for adults. Their subject was mainly social and
economic problems on his country.
Birthname was José Renato Monteiro Lobato. It is common knowledge that
he adopted "José Bento Monteiro Lobato" after inheriting father's
belongings with initials "J.B.M.L." (his father's name was José Bento
Marcondes Lobato).
Created first Brazilian company dedicated to printing books. Before
him, Brazilian books were printed in Portugal.
Arrested twice in the 1940s for his campaign for the nationalization of
brazilian mineral resources, particularly iron ore and oil.