Rafael Pombo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rafael Pombo
|
|
|---|---|
Image of José Rafael de Pombo y Rebolledo
|
|
| Born | José Rafael de Pombo y Rebolledo 7 November 1833 Bogotá, Colombia |
| Died | 5 May 1912 (aged 78) Bogotá, Colombia |
| Occupation | Poet |
| Nationality | Colombian |
| Literary movement | Romanticism |
José Rafael de Pombo y Rebolledo (born November 7, 1833 – died May 5, 1912) was a famous Colombian poet. He was born in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia. Rafael Pombo is best known for his wonderful stories and poems for children.
He first studied to be a mathematician and an engineer. He even served in the army for a while. Later, he traveled to the United States of America. There, he worked as a diplomat, helping represent Colombia in Washington.
Contents
His Work in the United States
After his diplomatic work, Rafael Pombo got a job with a company called D. Appleton & Company in New York. His task was to translate popular nursery rhymes from English into Spanish. But he did more than just translate them. He changed and adapted them to make them special for Spanish-speaking children.
Books for Children
His work resulted in two important books. These books were titled Cuentos pintados para niños (Painted Stories for Children) and Cuentos morales para niños formales (Moral Stories for Proper Children). These books became very popular. Even though he wrote many different types of literature, he is most remembered for these children's stories.
Famous Children's Fables
Rafael Pombo created many beloved characters. Some of his most famous fables include:
- Michín
- Juan Chunguero
- Pastorcita (Little Shepherdess)
- La Pobre Viejecita (The Poor Old Lady)
- Simón el Bobito (Simon the Simpleton)
- El Gato Bandido (The Bandit Cat)
- El Renacuajo paseador (The Walking Tadpole)
These stories often teach important lessons in a fun way. They are still enjoyed by children in Colombia and other Spanish-speaking countries today.
Return to Colombia
After living in the United States for seventeen years, Rafael Pombo returned to Colombia. He continued his literary career there. He became a well-known translator and journalist. He even started several newspapers.
A Recognized Poet
On August 20, 1905, Rafael Pombo received a great honor. He was crowned as Colombia's best poet. This showed how much people appreciated his writing. His complete collection of poems, Poesías Completas, was published in 1957. One famous poem from this collection is En El Niágara. Rafael Pombo lived in Colombia until he passed away on May 5, 1912.
See also
In Spanish: Rafael Pombo para niños
