Life without Santi

La vida sin Santi is a children’s illustrated picture book by Andrea Maturana Reichenstein, with illustrations by Francisco Javier Olea Martínez.  It’s published by Fondo de Cultura Económica de España, S.L. (edition dated 2025) and comes as a 48-page hardcover—ideal for reading together and returning to again and again.  Recommended for ages 3–7, it gently supports early emotional learning through a story children can truly feel.
Santi and Maia have to separate because one of them moves far away, and they won’t see each other for a while.  At first, their days feel sad and difficult, but over time the distance starts to feel smaller and the emptiness begins to fill in.  The story leaves a tender, thought-provoking question: when Santi returns, will there still be space for him?
This book is for parents, caregivers, and teachers looking for a warm, reassuring way to talk about missing someone—whether it’s a friend moving away, a family member traveling, or any big change that disrupts a child’s routine. The simple, relatable situation helps children name feelings like sadness, longing, and hope, while giving adults a natural opening for conversation (“What helps when you miss someone?”). It’s also a lovely choice for bedtime or classroom calm-down moments, because it validates big emotions without overwhelming the reader.
If you want a picture book that combines beautiful illustration with a meaningful theme—friendship, distance, and the way love can stretch across time—La vida sin Santi is a heartfelt addition to any children’s library.